Powhatan Today –08/17/2022

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND As simple as it may seem, one of the highlights of being the 2021 Powhatan Christmas Mother for Dale Goodman was having a sign for a dedicated parking space for her and future Christmas Mothers added at Christmas Mother Headquarters, which is located at the Pocahontas Landmark Center. see CHRISTMAS, pg. 5

Powhatan County Public School

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

on

Left, representing Crazy Rooster Brewing Company at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup were head brewer Brian Knight and co-owners Jason Miller and Tim Torrez. Representing Fine Creek Brewing Company were, from left, Brian Mandeville, head brewer; Paul Stouffer, assistant brewer; Lauren Benusa; Mark Benusa, co-founder; Sarah Tocco, head chef, and Daniel Chiles, taproom manager. Crazy Rooster won a gold award and Fine Creek won a silver and bronze.

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Dale Goodman reflects on time as Christmas Mother Breweries, distillery celebrate awards

School board votes to approve electronic device restrictions Policy allows some use outside of classroom time

August 17, 2022Vol. XXXVI No. 07o. 07 Powhatan, Virginia TO:DELIVER PatronPostal Powhatan, 23139VA StandardPrsrt. PAIDPOSTAGEU.S. VAPowhatan, No.19Permit A3 InsideTreededicationhonorsemployeeB1FootballseasoninPowhatanisback

see DEVICE, pg. 4 see AWARDS,

POWHATAN – The Powhatan County School Board last week approved more restrictive use of nonschool issued electronic devices in schools by students – although not as tight as originally planned. During the board’s meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 9, the four board members present voted unanimously to approve the Student Rights and Responsibilities for the 2022-2023 school year with more restrictions placed on the use of non-school issued electronic devices during the school day. Chair Kim Hymel, who represents District 5, was absent. The board ﬁrst discussed a possible change to allowed electronic device use at its July 12 meeting, not voting but all ﬁve members voicing support of a change that would allow students to have electronic devices on them but put away and now allow them to use the devices at any point in the school day. This in-

Three Crosses Distilling Company also recently announced its outstanding performance in the 2021 Craft Distillers Competition, where the business won a double gold medal (awarded to those spirits that all judges unanimously award a gold medal) as well as an additional gold medal and silver medal.Inaddition to being a boon for the businesses, the light that shines on them for every award won is also a light that shines on Powhatan giving tourists and future companies a glimpse at what niche businesses thrive here, said Roxanne Salerno, economic development“Tourismmanager.isauniquely faceted

POWHATAN – Dale Goodman has never belonged to an organization that has given her as much pure joy as being the Powhatan Christmas Mother. For the past year, the Powhatan native has been the most public face of a nonproﬁt aimed at helping people in need regardless of the season. And as she prepares to step down and become secretary for the 2022 Christmas Mother in a few short weeks, she reﬂected on an amazing year in Powhatan unlike any other.With a well-oiled machine like the Christmas Everyday Committee (CEC), Goodman was told last summer that, if she wanted, she only had to be “the face” of the program, helping to fundraise and attending certain functions. With 14 subcommittees, many of them with members who have been doing their work for years, the CEC members know how to get the job done. But within weeks of stepping into the role of Christmas Mother, Goodman knew that wasn’t the route for her. “It was more than that because I am one who loves to help. I want to get involved. I want to be a part of the committee, and that is why I chose the theme, ‘A Christmas of Unity,’” she said. “Therefore, I found that that theme would allow me to be a representative of the residents of Powhatan to join together. And I feel as though in many ways we have. And I think that was accomplished during the year.”Powhatan Christmas Mother 2006 Mary Harrison said she was incredibly impressed with the initiative Goodman took in so many aspects of her role, describing her as both a go-getter and a selfstarter who was always warm and positive. “She was just the right person to have for this breakout year. She is just dynamite. She has never pg.

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By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

FLAT ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ISABELLAPRINCIPALWORRELL, POCAHONTAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THOMASPRINCIPALSULZER, POWHATAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONSTANCEPRINCIPALDEAL, POWHATAN MIDDLE SCHOOL DR. SAMANTHAPRINCIPALMARTIN, DR. CHRISPRINCIPALSUMNER, POWHATAN HIGH SCHOOL

POWHATAN – Powhatan’s distillery and two breweries recently brought more acclaim to the county with several award wins in competitions in their respectiveCrazyindustries.RoosterBrewing Company and Fine Creek Brewing Company brought home the most recent wins by medaling in different categories in the 2022 Virginia Craft Brewers Cup. Crazy Rooster won a gold medal and Fine Creek won silver and bronze medals at theThecompetition.resultswere announced on Monday, Aug. 8 at the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild’s annual awards ceremony.

With Powhatan County Public Schools’ 20222023 year set to start on Monday, Aug. 22, the district’s ﬁve schools are gearing up to welcome students. The ﬁve principals at the helm of the three elementary, one middle and one high schools took time out of their busy back-to-school preparations to offer some insights into the coming year. See Questions and Answers page

Principals ready to roll

JAMES NICHOLS NICHOLS, James Howard, 73, of Powhatan, Virginia, passed away August 6, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Fay Nichols; son, Shawn Nichols; grandchildren, Kayela and Christopher (Angie); greatgrandchildren, Ryleigh, Brooke, Aislynn, Kayelynn, Emma, Skyler and James; many "in-laws" and a number of nieces and nephews. He proudly served his country as a Staff Sargent in the U.S.A.F. Services were held Friday, August 12, 2022, at 10 a.m. in the Amelia Veterans Cemetery. Interment Amelia Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at the Gospel Light Baptist Church at 2109 Anderson Hwy. on Saturday, August 20 at 11 a.m., covered dish reception to follow. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh. com.

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Page 2A Powhatan Today, August 17, 2022 OBITUARIES see CALENDAR, pg. 4

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

The new Farmers Market at Tavern 19 is a grower’s market, featuring farm fresh seasonal produce, grass fed meats, fruits and berries, honey, baked goods, value added products and select artisan crafts. Independence Golf Course is the ideal setting for a farmers market – it’s a park-like setting with plenty of parking and grass covered by large shade trees. The market has free Wi-Fi, a stage, electricity, food provided by Tavern 19, picnic tables, live music, kid’s activities and more! Come grab some dinner and stock up for the week on fresh local products! For more information, visit https://rvagriculture.org/.

The Powhatan Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be held at noon at County Seat Restaurant. Visit www.powhatanchamber.org. Saturday, Aug. 20 Farmers Market at Tavern 19 is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturdays through October on the grounds of Independence Golf Course, 600 Founders Bridge Blvd, Midlothian, VA 23113.

Powhatan AA meets at 8 p.m. every Saturday at Manakin Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail. The Christian Motorcyclists Association Powhatan chapter Living Wheels will meet at 6 p.m. at Company 4 Fire station at the intersection of Route 711 and Judes Ferry Road. Find out what they have been doing, and where their next ride or event will be. For more information call Tom Barnes at 804-690-4884 or Mark Lewis at 804-432-1831. Sunday, Aug. 21 May Memorial Baptist Church will have a Blessing of Backpacks on Aug. 21 during the worship service at 11 a.m. Join us in praying for students, teachers, administrators and all school workers for the upcoming school year! Guildfield Baptist Church, 2550 Manakintown Ferry Road, Midlothian, will hold its Annual Homecoming and Revival Services from Aug. 21 to 23. All will begin with Pastor-Elect Rev. Terrell Glenn delivering “God’s Holy Word” for the Homecoming Service at noon on Aug. 21. Boxed lunches will be provided following the service. There will not be an afternoon service. Nightly revival praise and worship begin at 6:30 p.m.; revival services at 7 p.m. Guests speakers are: Aug. 22, the Rev. Marvin L. Gilliam Jr., and Aug. 23, the Rev. Carl Hamiel. Hollywood Baptist Church-Powhatan, 3964 Old Buckingham Road, will have its Homecoming Service and three nights of revival services. The Homecoming Service is at 11 a.m. Aug. 21 with Pastor Otis Lockhart Jr. To-go dinner after service. On the three nights of revival, the speakers will be: Aug. 24, Pastor Pernell Johnson; Aug. 25, Pastor Marcus Martin, and Aug. 26, Elder Caudie Kelly. Monday, Aug. 22 The Huguenot Ruritan Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at May Memorial Baptist Church. For more information, contact Tom Grasty at 804-598-0777. A Powhatan Hope Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at PCC Church, 4480 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, Room 102. It is an open discussion meeting. Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, Aug. 23

ROBERT SULLIVAN SR. SULLIVAN, Robert W. Sr., 72, of Powhatan, Virginia, passed away on August 8, 2022. He is survived by his three children, Trudy (Ken), Angie (Orlando) and Bobby; ﬁve grandchildren, Brittney, Kenny, Chelsey (Luis), Austin (Makayla) and Brandon; three great-grandchildren, Julieta, Mateo and Adeylin. The family received friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home prior to the service that was held Friday, August 12, 2022, at 1 p.m. in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia. Online condolences may be made at Bennettbardenfh.com

SULLIVAN NICHOLS

Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age! Program is free; requires independent participation. Weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are usually held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Contributed Report Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age!Weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Lane. The group is also planning other events that fall outside of the normal weekly session. Upcoming events are: Aug. 25 – 10 a.m. and noon, two free T’ai Chi Classes for beginners. Visiting instructor from Tai Chi Center of Charlottesville. Amazing benefits to strength, balance and flexibility. (@ RescueAug.Squad)31– Deadline for Chartered bus trip payment, a $35 cost. The day trip to Courtland, Virginia will take participants to the Chereonhaka Intertribal Native American Powwow. The trip will take place Saturday, Nov. 5, leaving from Powhatan village. Sept. 8 – The 10 a.m. event is a caregiver support group specific to dementia and Alzheimer’s. Find support and a safe place among others on a similar journey. It will be held at May Memorial Baptist Church. Sept. 9 – Beginning at 10 a.m.by reservation only. Private tech assistance - specific to your device and topic you want to learn. Held at Powhatan County Public Library. Sept. 11 is the deadline for registration in Color Challenge ‘22! This fun relay will be held Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Fighting Creek Park, with refreshments and event t-shirt provided. Sign up based on your own agility level and the day will feature walk, three-wheeled bike and grab and go relay for each agility level. This event is Powhatan’s first activity held in Vandalism Vehicle fire

Arrests One male was charged Aug. 2 with profane swearing/public intoxication (Misdemeanor). One female was charged Aug. 3 with three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, boat or animal (Felony). One male was charged Aug. 4 with larceny with intent to sell or distribute (F), possession of forged coin/bank notes (M) and grand larceny (F). One male was charged Aug. 6 with failure to appear (M). One male was charged Aug. 7 with assault and battery of a family member (M). One male was charged Aug. 7 with consensual sexual intercourse with child 15+ years (M). Incident report for Aug. 1 to 7 - Incident type & total calls

Wednesday, Aug. 17 Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age! Program is free; requires independent participation. Weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Lane. At the Aug. 17 session, members of the Huguenot Beekeepers’ Association will teach about all things bees at 10 a.m. Noon, methods and tips on Swedish Death Cleaning, a mindset that considers those we will leave behind one day. The event will include clips from the author of the popular book. It's something we ALL should consider; not just for those close to death. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for Active Services and also by calling the Powhatan Library 804-5985670 and selecting option 3 to hear an updated recording. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more information. Powhatan County Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Meeting rooms are available by reservation; study rooms are available first come, first served. The library offers e-books and materials to borrow in person or by using Books to Go. With Books to Go, patrons may reserve print materials, DVDs, and audiobooks 24/7 online at www. powhatanlibrary or by phone during open hours at 804-598-5670; once the patron is notified that their order is ready, they have three days to pick it up at the to-go shelf. The outdoor library book drop is open 24/7 for returning library items; however, patrons must return mobile hotspots to the circulation desk inside the library. The library accepts donations and the Friends of the Library bookstore is open during library business hours. Visit www.powhatanlibrary.net or call the library at 804-598-5670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-to-date library news, information and program Businessschedules.Network International (BNI) Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www.BNIVA.com for information. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ BNIOnFire or contact executive director Dawne Gulla at dawne@bniva.com or 804-690-9220 for more information. The Free Clinic of Powhatan serves residents from Powhatan, Amelia and Cumberland Counties as well as select Chesterfield areas. Services include medical, dental, counseling and women’s healthcare by appointment. Eligibility requirements on website www. freeclinicofpowhatan.org/patients. Registration for new patients by appointment Mondays 5-8 p.m. or walk-in Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call (804) 598-5637. Thursday, Aug. 18 Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, had its official opening June 7. Moving forward, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The shop is located in the Memorial Baptist Church Youth House, 3926 Old Buckingham Road. Just Kids is a ministry of May Memorial Baptist Church. Clothes cost $2 per bag. The Powhatan Village Farmers Market is open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursdays through September on the grounds of Bienvenue, 3841 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. The market offers families a great way to unwind with live music and food truck fare while catching up with neighbors. The Powhatan market meets all your local farm produce and pastured meat needs, as well as those specialty goods you’re looking for like honey, soap, baked treats, unique artisan crafts and more. Lots of SNAP and Double SNAP options! We’re excited to welcome you to the Powhatan Village farmers market! For more information, contact 302-893-0068 or visit https:// rvagriculture.org/.ACalledtoCareMeeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Powhatan United Methodist Church. This organization offers both support to persons who have health issues and those who are caring for persons with health issues. The meetings may include guest speakers on a myriad of topics related to aging and good health. Guest speakers have included a nurse practitioner, neurologist, nutritionist, physical therapist and many more. All are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by Judy CainOliver, licensed clinical psychologist. The Powhatan Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail. Extensioncom. specialists and industry experts share timely topics for farmers in the Virginia Cooperative Extension Ag Today, held virtually at 9 a.m. every Thursday. These updates are relevant and brief and are recorded for folks who can't join on that day and time. Podcasts (audio only) are posted on Westmoreland VCE webpage and YouTube video recordings can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ atwelcome.organizationaDinneratTheeveryTheeveryThe3435information,LandmarkHighwayAmericanp.m.Thegmail.com.Pat$22besubjectbeatWarMarkContactCain-Oliver,speaker.illness.dealingopenmonth11:30PowhatanbyAaz1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fiYBb914AYRdn7.weorinformationStephanieQUVzrPXDpYsV2HY11CH8KBrluifyO.playlist?list=PL7_2ContactRomelczyk(sromelcz@vt.edu)foronjoiningthemeetinglive.WatchedlistenedtoVCEAGToday?Letusknowhowaredoing!Findoursurveyhere:https://vce.freecaregiversupportgroupsponsoredPowhatanUnitedMethodistChurchandFamilyCounselingwillbeheldata.m.onthefirstandthirdThursdayoftheatthechurch,2253RossonRoad.ItisangroupforanyonewhohasfamilyorfriendswithchronicmentalhealthorphysicalSomemeetingswillhaveaspecialguestThegroupisfacilitatedbyDr.Judithlicensedclinicalpsychologist.Dr.Oliverat804-598-9577yourcalendarsforthenextPowhatanCivilRoundtablemeetingat6:30p.m.onAug.18theCountySeatRestaurant.ThespeakerwillSarahBierleandshewillbespeakingontheof“TheChambersburgRaid.”Dinnerwillincludedwithafeeof$18formembersandfornon-members.Toreservespace,contactWhitmerat240-298-0141orpatwhitmer77@Visitwww.powhatancwrt.com.PowhatanchapteroftheNAACPmeetsat7inthetrainingroomofthePowhatanAfricanCulturalArtsMuseum,4290Anderson(insidethegymofthePocahontasCenter).Allarewelcome.FormorecontactGailHairstonat804-598-orpowhatannaacp@gmail.com.originalPowhatanAAmeetsfrom7to8p.m.ThursdayinthePowhatanVillageBuilding.PowhatanRotaryClubmeetsat7:30a.m.ThursdayattheCountySeatRestaurant.PowhatanRuritanClubwillmeetat6:30p.m.Rosa’sPizzaandItalianEateryinFlatRock.willbeservedfollowedbyaprogramandbriefmeeting.Theyareacommunityservicededicatedtoourcounty.AllareFormoreinformationcallJakeBerman804-651-4503.

288 1 Warrant service 5 Welfare check 4

Habitat For Humanity - Powhatan depends on volunteers and donors. Habitat is blessed with the community’s helpful, kind and generous participation. The Habitat Store at 1922 Urbine Road will be open on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this pandemic, anyone coming into the store must wear a facemask. The office is located in the Habitat Store and the office number is 804-5947009. Call and volunteer! Donate! Help us build!!

recognition of InCommunity Matters announces fall event schedule for seniors see SENIORS, pg. 3 CRIME REPORT Advice 38 Animal calls 25 Assault 2 Assist 16 Attempt to locate 10 Child welfare 1 Civil 1 Damaged property 1 Death investigation 2 Deliver message 1 Disabled vehicle 12 Disorder/disturbance 6 Domestic 4 Drugs 1 Dumping 1 Fingerprints 1 Fireworks 1 Follow-up 1 Fraud 2 Funeral 1 Gunshot calls 2 Hit and run 3 Hold-up alarm 3 Investigation 5 Larceny 5 Lockout 6 Missing person 1 MVAs 14 Noise 1 Pd alarm 12 Phone threat 1 Project lifesaver 2 Psychiatric 1 Reckless driver 20 Sex offense 1 Stolen vehicle 1 Suspicious 36 Test law 1 Trafﬁc hazard 22 Trafﬁc stop 70 Trailer inspection 1 Trespass 2 Unknown emergency 22

Powhatan Cooperative Extension will hold a SelfPropelled Baler Demo and Alternative Forage Options event from 1 to 3 p.m. at State Farm, VA (directions will be provided prior to the event). Register at https://tinyurl.com/balerfieldday22. For questions, contact Rachel Henley 804-5985640 or Nicole Shuman 804-556-5841. Have you ever wondered what tree you were walking by in Powhatan State Park? This walk may be just what you're looking for. Led by a local master naturalist volunteer, the walk is an introduction to the basics of native tree identification. The walk will take approximately 1.5 hours on an easily travelled trail that passes many of the native trees found in central Virginia. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes and bring plenty of water. All ages are welcome. The walk begins promptly at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Playground Shelter through the end of August. Call the Park Office at 804-598-7148 for more Theinformation.BeefCattle Production 360 Discussion Group typically meets at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month. New members are always welcome to join if you are a seasoned beef cattle producer or just getting started. The group typically starts with a pot luck meal and are held mostly in-person on farms or at the Goochland or Powhatan Extension Offices. For more information, contact Rachel Henley at 804-5985640 or rachelhenley@vt.edu. Awaken to Hope Al-Anon meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The new Bridge of Reason AA meeting is held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Powhatan Mennonite Church, 3549 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. It is an open, decision and literature meeting for Powhatan, Goochland, and Cumberland AAcounties.meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail. Upcoming Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 Old Buckingham Road, provides year-round therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. From April through October, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. Upcoming dates are: Aug. 24; Sept. 13, 20 and 28; Oct. 4, 18 and 26. In November, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. Upcoming dates are Nov. 1, 15 and 30. There are no sessions in December. LDEC is able to provide a variety of services to the veterans because of dedicated volunteers. Those who would like to help and have fun at the same time are asked to consider becoming a member of one of these teams. For more information about Lonesome Dove, visit http://ldequestrian.com/ or contact 804-318Community6485.

Powhatan County

SENIORS ternational Active Aging Week!Sept. 13 – 10 a.m. Reading is Grand - Adults 55+ can register for this program to be paired with a child 5-10 years old for a Sept. 13 event to read to each other, enjoy a craft and refreshments. Registration space is limited. Future ‘Grandreader’ dates will hold another registration.Oct.27 – From 10 to 11:30 a.m., there will be an Alzheimer’s Association Community Forum. If you or a loved one has been affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s, you’ll want to attend. The goal of this forum with community leaders and partners is to hear experiences from those in Powhatan and discover gaps in service or programming that Alzheimer’s Association may be able help to improve Powhatan with. The event will be held at the Rescue Squad Building.Contact program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 or vices.PVA@gmail.com.RASerof their work. “I wouldn’t know all you guys in the county if it wasn’t for Dave,” he said. Since Varnier passed, James said he has apologized to employees as he picked up recycling that he didn’t have Varnier’s memory for jokes to bring them a Beforelaugh.giving the final prayer, an emotional Jamie Timberlake, commissioner of the revenue, said he had never met anybody “who could be as real as him and still show the heart that he had.” Varnier’s sister, Gloria Hicks, and her husband Woody thanked the crowd for their support of her brother. She said he had lived in Powhatan at least 25 years and loved hunting and fishing. Before coming to work for the county, he was a welder and pipefitter for most of his career. Laura McFarland may be reached at land@powhatantoday.com.Lmcfar-

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Page 3APowhatan Today, August 17, 2022 Tree dedication honors employee Powhatan County Public Schools 2022-2023 Back to School Dates Source: Powhatan County Public Schools First day of school ........................ Aug. 22 Flat Rock Elementary Back to School - name A-K ....... Sept. 19 7 p.m. Back to School - name L-Z ........ Sept. 20 7 p.m. Powhatan Elementary School Back to School - name A-K ....... Sept. 19 7 p.m. Back to School - name L-Z ........ Sept. 20 7 p.m. Pocahontas Elementary School Back to School - name A-K ....... Sept. 19 7 p.m. Back to School - name L-Z ........ Sept. 20 7 p.m. Powhatan Middle School Student Showcase and Watch Dog Kickoff ........ ......................................... Oct. 6 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Powhatan High School Back to School Night ............ Sept. 20 7 p.m. PCPS welcomes new teachers for 2022-2023

401K,ProfitSharing, Health,Vision,&DentalPlan. Requirements: •HighSchooldiplomaorequivalent •Validdriver’slicense •2+yearsheavyequipmentand/orheavytruck experience Youcanapplyonlineat www.colonypaving.com orat2333AndersonHighway Office:804-598-1400 ColonyConstruction,Inc.providesequalemploymentopportunitiestoallapplicants foremployment&prohibitsdiscrimination&harassmentofanytypewithoutregard torace,color,religion,age,sex,nationalorigin,disabilitystatus,genetics,protected veteranstatus,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,oranycharacteristic protectedbyfederal,stateorlocallaws.Thisappliestoallterms&conditionsof employment,includingrecruiting,hiring,placement,promotion,termination,layoff, recall,transfer,&leavesofabsence,compensation&training. HeavyEquipment&HeavyTruck MECHANIC

DAVID VARNIER cause he truly loved his coworkers and I just want to thank God for him.” Public works co-worker Aaron James also talked about Varnier taking James under his wing when he was hired and introducing him around among employees during the course Continued from pg. 2

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND Public Schools teachers the 2022-2023 school year last from top row left to right; Craig Nester (very top) by himself; Noah Doczi, Monica Morris, Sarah Gibbs, Bonnie Lambert, Gina Beberdick, Skylar McLaughlin; Olivia Aston, Caitlin Blaisdell, Jim Covais, Kim Ligatti; Anna McGrady, Bailey Wainwright, Catrina Garner, Michael Bell; Catherine Stroman, Stephanie Antosiak, Bethany Arnold, Kim Brown; Erin Andrews, Amy Kastelberg, Lisa Richter, Danielle Mroczkowski, Sarah Dobson, Leslie Lyons; Breanne Amorese, Jarrett Fields, Carley Toney, Bilal Raychouni; Annathan Lacks, Julie Inglish, Gianna Lanciani, Alison McCarraher, Karen Heinike; Katherine Davoud; Christine Peyton, Kelley Erie, Barbara Wood, Amber Ritter; Austin Winkler, Shelby Lent, Sean Bates. Not pictured are Jennifer Lavimodiere, Jon Ferguson, Alicia Clements, Chris Sumner, Kate McConchie, Kami Louth. alittleaboutmeIwouldlovetoknow yourstorywhilewesitonthecouch relaxing,andwatchingamovie.Iwill alsoshowyoumypersonality,andmy devotiontomyfamily.Ifyouwouldlove tomeetme,Pleasecontactthestaffat 804-598-5672andtheywillbehappyto Wesleyassistinschedulingyouanappointment.

Forsubscriptioninformation ordeliveryquestionscontact: MichelleWall 804-775-2711 email:mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460TimesDispatchBlvd., Mechanicsville,VA23116 598-0799 “AllWorkPersonallySupervisedbyOwner,RichardStanley” LocallyOwned&Operated ProudlyservingPowhatanandthesurroundingcountiessince1985 FullyLicensed&Insured• ClassAContractor• FreeEstimates ALL-STAR PAVING www.allstarpavingva.com A P.S.Wehavesomeexcitingnewstosharetoyou! Wehavebeengivenanawesomeopportunity toupdateoutshelterkennels!Wearestartinga$$CashforKennels$$Fundraiser!Ourgoalistoraise $100.000fornewkennelsforthedogsandcats!Everydollarisgreatlyappreciated.Donationscanbe droppedoffattheshelterlocatedat4000OldPlantationRdormailtoP.O.Box133ATTN:AnimalControl.In thememowrite$$CashforKennels$$.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsplease call804-598-5672. PowhatanSheriff’sOffice|DivisionOfAnimalControl Phone:804-598-5672|Fax:804-598-5109 Ifyouwouldliketohelptheanimals inourcare,youcandosobydonatingtoour medicalfundatClawsandPaws, 4313AndersonHwy.,Powhatan,VA23139 HiEveryonemynameisWesley,Hope everyoneisdoingwell.Sojustalittle aboutme.Icameherefromanother facilityasmytimetherewasup,I wasreallyscaredbecauseIcouldtell becauseIsensedsadness.Iwasso luckythatIwassaved,andbroughthere, Ihavemoreplaytime,Igetblanketsand toys,andmostofallIgetlotsoflove fromthestaff,andtheDogWalkers. Iamaround2to3yearsold,Iam neutered,anduptodateonmyshots, Iamalsomicrochipped.Sothat’sjust

ABOVE PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND/ RIGHT PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Above, Mark Piper and Shirley Goins, right, start a tree dedication in the developing Village Park in honor of David Varnier, right, who worked for the county’s public works department for 16 years.

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor POWHATAN –Friends, family and coworkers gathered Friday to remember a Powhatan County employee with a tree dedication in the still developing Village Park. A golden falls weeping redbud was planted in the park in honor and memory of David Varnier, a 16year public works employee who died July 27 at age 69. Varnier began working for the county part time in September 2006 and became a fulltime employee in SeptemberMore2013. than 50 people gathered at the park for the dedication, with several speaking of the impact he had on their lives and the way he interacted withFacilitiespeople. manager Mark Piper said what he loved most about Varnier was that “he always told it like it “Theywas.”always say iron sharpens iron, and he did that for me for many years. He would come in and discuss things with me, and it always left me wanting to do a better job and wanting to do things better,” Piper said. “I always appreciated that with him, because I knew he was always going to shoot straight with me and he always going to tell me the way he saw things. I think we all appreciated that.”Shirley Goins, public works’ administrative associate, described Varnier as a friend who didn’t bite his tongue but also knew how to make people laugh. He never wanted people to do things for him, “but he had a heart of gold that he would do for so many other people and he never wanted you to pay him for anything.” “He might come across as this gruff exterior, but his heart was so filled with love for other people and love for helping and doing for others,” sheVotersaid. registrar Karen Alexander paid tribute to Varnier by laying a few items at the bottom of the tree in his memory and talking about how he took good care of her office. “I loved that Formerman.”employee Paulette Taylor talked about how he helped her when she first started working for the county, joking that he called her “Sugar plumb” and “Puddin’ Pop.” They looked after each other and “he was a beautiful person. I always will remember him be-

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Three Crosses Distilling Company received multiple awards at the 2021 Craft Distillers Spirits Competition. cluded cell phones, blue tooth devices, cameras, electronic games and e-readers. The concerns raised at that meeting included the distractions these devices represent during class and the use of devices to coordinate inappropriate behavior, such as vandalism of school restrooms.However, based on a staff recommendation, the version the board approved last week gave high schoolers a little more leeway. According to the approved policy, middle school students who bring cell phones to school for the purpose of communicating after school hours must keep them silenced and away in a gym locker, bookbag or purse during the school day. The same goes for high school students during instruction time, but the less restrictive policy now allows them to use those devices only during lunch and transitions. Tracie Omohundro, assistant superintendent for instruction, said the slight loosening of the allowed use came after focus groups were held with input from students and teachers. Transitions are deﬁned as the time between leaving one instructional area and arriving at the next. “They will be setting clear expectations at the high school for what that looks like. They will be communicating that with students and staff. They will create some consequences for students that will be consistent across the building for them,” she said. As far as enforcement, Omohundro said the issue of consistency across the board would be a major point of discussion for Chris Sumner, the high school’s new principal, when staff returned to the school. For a policy change like this to be effective, the school needs to have “consistent application of that policy,” which teachers agreed will make it easier for students to comply, she said. James Taylor III, District 4, agreed having a policy carried out by all staff consistently isRickimportant.Cole,District 1, said the policy is a good compromise to allow students to use devices during lunch and transitions but pointed out that, if students abuse the leeway given them, there is always the option of going back to a restriction for the full day. He asked that the high school make clear to students that “transitions” does not include bathroom breaks during instructional time or going to see another teacher.“We need to be very, very clear to deﬁne what transitions mean to kids, mean to us and how we are going to enforce that,” he said.Cole also asked that the division have a game plan in regard from pg. 1 DEVICE, pg. 8 see CALENDAR, pg. 7

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Continued from pg. 2 CALENDAR Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Lane. The next session will be on Thursday, Aug. 25. The Charlottesville Tai Chi Center will present Beginners’ Tai Chi. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese discipline of very slowly controlled movements that greatly benefits strength, flexibility and balance. There will be two class times, 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. It is free to participants. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for Active Services and also by calling the Powhatan Library 804598-5670 and selecting option 3 to hear an updated recording. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more Theinformation.American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Powhatan County Public Library, 2270 Mann Road. Call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “Powhatan” to schedule an appointment. Download the Blood Donor App for easier Joinaccess.the Rural Substance Abuse Awareness Coalition from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3 at Passion Community Church, 4480 Anderson Highway, for a family-friendly celebration of the local recovery community. This event is co-hosted with The ROOT Project and serves as a local kick-off to National Recovery Month. RSAAC will have live music, stories of recovery, a REVIVE naloxone training and vendor tables from community partners. Boka Tako RVA will be serving tacos (the first 50 people will receive a $10 voucher for their meal). Bring the kids because there will be arts and crafts activities and a bounce Thehouse!Heart of Virginia Beekeepers plans to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 at the Prince Edward County Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA 23901 next to Lowe's. Anyone who has bees or is interested in bees is welcome. For more information call Mary Jane Morgan at 434315-1433. To check on possible cancellations or changes, visit

Page 4A Powhatan Today, August 17, 2022 Continued from pg. 1 AWARDS Genito Presbyterian Church 2910GenitoRd.Powhatan,VA 372-9074 WorshipwithusthisSunday Churchservice@9:30AM Sundayschool@10:30AM St.Luke’sEpiscopalChurch SUNDAYS 8:00AMinpersonserviceinthechurch 10:30AMinpersonserviceinthechurch (livestreamed) www.stlukespowhatan.org AllareWelcome Formoreinformationvisitwww.stlukespowhatan.org Route711atThreeBridgeRoad794-6953 CHURCH DIRECTORY PowhatanChristian Fellowship SundayMorningWorship 11:00a.m. SundaySchool10:00a.m. WednesdayNight7:30p.m. 3308PleasantsRoad, 1/4mileoffofRoute711 RussCress,Pastor 598-0733 MeetingSundays inFarmville, ForkUnion,Midlothian, PowhatanandOnline. Visitpccwired.netfor servicestimes&locations. 598-1174pccwired.net Providence Presbyterian Church “WorshipingandWitnessing inWesternPowhatan since1825” WorshipService11:00am AllAreWelcome! 598-4970 Located1950RidgeRoad (Rt.627) St.JohnNeumann CatholicChurch Rev.WalterG.Lewis,Pastor Saturday-5p.m. Sunday-8:30a.m.&11a.m. 598-3754 www.sjnpowhatan.org LocatedbehindFlatRock VillageShoppingCenter E VERGREEN C OMMUNITY C HURCH (PCA) Proclaiming&PracticingtheGospelofJesusChrist WorshipServiceat10:00AM Meetingat2375SkaggsRoad,Powhatan. ECCPCA.ORG 598-8844 Worship: 8:30&10:30am www.powhatanumc.us WeekdayPreschool(ages2-5) 598-6090 2253RossonRd. JustoffRt.13intheVillage 598-4438 LivingAsChrist’sDisciplesWithinOur HeartsandBeyondOurDoors MountCalvary BaptistChurch 2020RedLaneRoad Powhatan,VA23139 Pastor,LarryB.Collins SundaySchool9:45a.m. SundayWorship11:00a.m. WednesdayBibleStudy 7:30p.m. Office804-598-2398 Church Directory. Call 804-746-1235 ext.2 fordetails. Advertisein SundaySchool10AM WorshipService11AM PastorJohnEngle 603-933-0141 3540OldBuckinghamRd. www.pmchurch.net 1801 Huguenot Trail SundayWorship 10am BryanM.Holt, https://www.facebook.com/2emmaus/www.EmmausChristianChurch.org804-378-3607Pastor sector where not only can success in this area attract revenue for the locality but also serves as a marketing tool for similar and compatible businesses as well as other companies looking for incredible quality of life for their workforce to experience nearby,” Salerno said. “The success of these companies is particularly unique in that they all bring a different style to the tourism industry of Powhatan and have been established for a short period of time but are making major waves in their markets to establish themselves among the best.”

The newest business to the group, Crazy Rooster Brewing Company, only opened in April 2020, so winning a gold medal in the Saison category at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup is a huge accomplishment, co-owner Jason Miller said. The brewery won gold for the Touche de Gris, which is a French farmhouse-style ale. The name is French for Touch of Gray, which is a nod to the brewery’s Grateful Dead tribute origins. When Miller, along with co-owner Tim Torrez and head brewer Brian Knight, attended the award ceremony, they had no idea how they would perform, having only entered the competition once before and not placing. The brewery entered three beers in the competition, and as the chances to win seemed to dwindle down with each award announcement, they worried they would walk away empty handed. “It came down to the gold, our last chance to win, and they called our name. It was pretty euphoric,” Miller said. Still riding high on the win a few days later, Miller said one of the positives about Crazy Rooster receiving a gold medal goes beyond the opportunity to say they have made an award-winning beer and to the wider issue of elevating their reputation, both among other brewers and potential visitors from elsewhere in theTherestate.is also the added beneﬁt for Crazy Rooster as a gold medal winner. The brewery’s winning beer will be served at a Virginia Craft Beer Month reception at the Governor’s Mansion on Aug. 29 along with other gold medal winners.FineCreek Brewing Company’s staff was doubly surprised at the awards winner. While staff members were on their way up to the stage to accept the third place win in the Mixed Fermentation category for their Barrel Aged Golden Sour, their name was announced again as the second place winner for their Biere De Coupage, according to head brewer Brian Mandeville.“Ithinkthe team was pretty excited. These are the kinds of beers I think we are most excited to share with folks – the ones we hope to put out there a little more. So it is always nice to be recognized for that type of beer,” he said. The speciﬁc types of beers you win for tells visitors that come to a brewery what they can expect with the quality of the beers, Mandeville added. “Getting our name out there beyond the crowd out this way is important for the longevity of the business,” he said. “I think medals go a long way to extend our reach a little farther as far as getting our name out of the region and extending our brand awareness and recognition of our brewery beyond Powhatan, the Richmond area and Charlottesville, where the majority of our customer base comes from.”According to the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, the 2022 competition had a record 106 breweries competing in 33 categories. A record 396 beers were entered in the competition. “Wow, what a great competition!” said Charlie Harr, head judge, “It was clearly evident in the tight race that every brewery is extremely dedicated to the craft and their dedication is inspiring. This year’s competition proves Virginia has some of the best craft brewers in the nation.”Thebreweries’ triumphs added to the recognition already claimed this year by Three Crosses Distilling Company from the 2021 Craft Distillers Spirits Competition. In the Premium Whiskey category, Three Crosses American Whiskey received a Double Gold medal, and Best of Class honors. A Double Gold is only awarded to those spirits that all judges unanimously award a gold medal. Additionally, Three Crosses Distilling received a gold medal for its Noble Hound Rye Whiskey and a silver medal for its Noble Hound Dark Rye Whiskey. “We like to think we are making high quality spirits. It feels very validating when others in your industry recognizable you for all of your efforts. It’s very humbling not only to win a Double Gold but a Best in Class,” John Davenport, Three Crosses’ head distiller, said. The distillery also has previously won nearly two dozen awards from many national and international competitions across their product line, including awards from the Great American Spirits Competition, New York International Spirits Competition, American Distilling Institute, Virginia Bourbon Invitational, Sunset International Spirits Competition, Virginia Living’s Best of Virginia and World Whiskey Awards.

Continued

Family WorshipCenter “YourCommunity Church” 2901JudesFerryRoad Powhatan,Va23139 804-379-8223 Sundays10:00a.m. Wednesday6:30p.m. Experiencingthepresence, powerandpersonofJesusChrist Loving,Investing,Fulfilling,Empowering SeniorPastorJustinWilson SundayService10:30am 2410NewDorsetCircle www.Communitylifechurchpowhatan.org 1530CookRoad(Rt.636) met a stranger and she makes you feel loved. That is what Christmas is all about,” HarrisonFollowingsaid. the initial announcement after Labor Day 2021, the real swing into the season began with the client signups in October and November. Goodman said she wanted to be part of it – showing up, talking to clients and learning their stories. “I didn’t want to not show up. I tried to make it every week to be a part of that. If there were any questions, I wanted to be there for them.” But then she started to go further, reaching out to businesses in an aggressive campaign to spread the word to anyone who would listen. Goodman said she visited 54 businesses in Powhatan to introduce herself and the Christmas Mother program for those that weren’t familiar. “Most of the businesses I visited were very welcoming and were happy to meet me. A lot of them were anxious to give donations while I was on the premises, and I felt good about that. That is what made me feel we were coming together in lots of ways,” she said. Before she knew it, Christmas season was fully upon the program, and it felt like that truly kicked off with the Powhatan Christmas Parade, she said. She was offered a solo vehicle, but Goodman preferred riding together with the previous Christmas Mothers, again going back to promoting unity as much as possible. Climbing into the wagon ﬁlled with former Christmas Mothers and heading down Old Buckingham Road, she was beyond thrilled with the excitement of it all. “When the parade started and seeing all those people, it was like they were waiting for an event like that. That just did it for me. The Christmas Parade was so exciting,” she said. But the truth is, there were too many amazing moments to narrow down for Goodman, who was still smiling months later as she described some of the bigger Goodmanmilestones.setoutto add her own stamp on her time as Christmas Mother by hosting a Winter Wonderland Ball at Bienvenue events center in the Village. The limited tickets sold out within two weeks and so many people in the county came together to help her make it possible, she said. She also added an incredibly personal touch with the help of fellow Powhatan High School alumna and former cheerleader JoAnn Woodson, the 2020 Powhatan Christmas Mother. The pair performed an original cheer with the high school’s cheerleaders at varsity and junior varsity football games. “I’ve still got kids coming up to me in the grocery store saying they enjoyed seeing me out there cheering. Then they wanted to tap into our organization,” Goodman said. “Different student groups would come and help. There were more that added to the list that wanted to get involved with the Christmas Mother.” Although not the same age, Woodson and Goodman did overlap in high school and were cheerleaders together for a time. Woodson said she was nervous as she hadn’t cheered in so long, but standing beside Goodman in their matching outﬁts and cheering with the high schoolers was an amazing experience. “It took a moment back in time and we reconnected. She wasn’t afraid for me to get up there beside her no matter what I did,” Woodson said. She added it is fun to see how surprised Goodman is that students recognize her from the cheer, but it is indicative of how the outgoing Christmas Mother embraced her role 110%. She came up with ideas such as adding a QR code to the donor letters to make it easier for people to donate and going above and beyond to treat CEC members at committee meetings. “She knocked it out of the park. She found people to connect with and organizations. She reached out to so many different people and organizations I would have never thought about,” Woodson said. Woodson and her husband Jimmy were responsible for another special moment for Goodman – perhaps even her favorite. Jimmy Woodson organized to get a designated parking sign for the current Christmas Mother at the group’s headquarters.

Page 5APowhatan Today, August 17, 2022 Continued from pg. 1 CHRISTMAS CHURCH DIRECTORY GracelandBaptistChurch Dr.RonaldWyatt,Jr.,Pastor Contemporary–9:00a.m. SundaySchool–9:45a.m. Worship–11a.m. Children’sWorship–11a.m. Praise&Worship–6p.m. LighthouseYouth–Wed.5:30p.m. BibleStudy–Wed.6:30p.m. Children’sWorship(allages)–Wed.6:30p.m. MiraclesofGodSp.NeedsService: 2p.m.the2ndSat.ofeachmonth 598-3481•975DorsetRoad www.gracelandbc.org Hollywood BaptistChurch “AChurchWhereLove NeverFails!” PastorOtisB.Lockhart,Jr 598-2763 SundaySchool at9:30a.m. MorningService at11:00a.m. BibleStudy EveryWednesdayNight at6:30p.m. 3964OldBuckinghamRoad HollyHills BaptistChurch www.HollyHillsBaptist.org (IndependentBibleBelieving) RandyBlackwell,Pastor SundaySchool-10:00a.m. SundayMorningWorship-11:00a.m. WednesdayPrayerMeeting7:30 p.m. 379-8930 1659AndersonHighway 3½mileseastofFlatRock GREENBRIER BAPTISTCHURCH “Godusesordinarypeopletodo extraordinarythings. Wewalkbyfaithandnotbysight” –PastorDarnellCarruthers SundaySchool:10:00-10:45a.m. WorshipService:11:00a.m. 4731BellRoad, Powhatan,VA23139 804-598-5491 5680CartersvilleRoad Powhatan,Virginia23139 PastorGregoryL.BeechaumSr. “ThechurchwhereJesusisAlive” 9:00a.m.----SundaySchool 9:45a.m.-----Prayer&Praise 10:00a.m.---SundayMorningWorship 5thSundayat11a.m. HourofPower 7:30p.m.----TuesdayNightWorship& BibleStudy 804-375-9404 SECONDANTIOCH BAPTISTCHURCH 1059DorsetRoad Powhatan,VA23139 ReverendMarkA.Divens,Sr. Pastor PraiseandWorshipService SundaySchool9:45-10:45 SundayMorningWorship willbeginat11:00a.m. OLDPOWHATAN BAPTISTCHURCH BradRussell,Pastor 598-4241 Servicetimesare 8:30a.m.and10:15a.m. Worshiponlineat10:15a.m. 2202OldChurchRoad www.powhatanbaptist.org 2095RedLaneRoad 1/2mileoffRt.60onRedLaneRoad 804-598-2455 www.redlanebaptist.org SmallGroupClasses9:00a.m. WorshipService10:30a.m. Dr.JamesTaylor,Pastor FIRSTANTIOCH BAPTISTCHURCH 3920MAIDENSRD.,POWHATAN 804-598-2301 SundaySchool10:00a.m. SundayMorningService 11:00a.m. WednesdayMidDay BibleStudy11:30a.m. EveningBibleStudy7:00p.m. 3619HuguenotTrail Powhatan,Virginia23139 www.finecreekbaptist.org SundaySchool:9:45a.m. WorshipService:11:00a.m. Traditional VernGilmer,Pastor MOUNTZION BAPTISTCHURCH 2591RidgeRoad Powhatan,Virginia23139 804-598-2051 Rev.BryanStevens,Pastor 10a.m.–WorshipService 8:30a.m.–ChurchSchool 2390EmmanuelChurchRoad 804-372-9254 www.newwalkbible.org SundayWorship10:00AM SundaySchool9:00AM BibleStudyWed.7:00PM MuddyCreek BaptistChurch SundaySchool-9:45a.m. Worship-11a.m. WednesdayBibleStudy& PrayerService-7:00p.m. PastorJeffBeard,MA,MBA 3470TrenholmRoad www.muddycreekbaptist.org Advertisein Powhatan Today’sChurch Directory. Call804-746-1235 ext.2fordetails. Sunday10am,11am&6pm Wednesday7pm TravisL.Keith-Pastor ChurchOffice:794.7054 JustAcrossfromSouth CreekShoppingCenter!www.glbcpva.org

Goodman couldn’t believe how much the moment meant to her – not only for herself but for future Christmas Mothers. “I take great pride in that parking spot. I will be sad to let it go,” she said with a grin. As much fun as she had promoting the nonprofit at events, Goodman pointed out repeatedly that the program wasn’t about her; it was about helping ease the burden of people in need in Powhatan. That was only possible because of the amazing CEC members doing the work and the community coming together to fully support the program, she“Thisadded.season went very well. We had such an increase of folks who wanted to adopt families – some wanted to adopt two or three families and not just one – so because of that we had plenty to fill those boxes. That had a lot to do with the increase in adopted families,” she said. All of the stories were special, but one really stood out. A local family sent in an application not asking for toys or electronics –only clothing and items to help them keep warm this winter. CEC members filled the order as asked, but they also reached out to check on the family further and learned the family hadn’t had heat in their home for two years because of major problems with their electrical system. “They hadn’t reached out to us. We could just tell by the application this family needed help,” she said. “An electrical company and a heating and air company went over to the residence and volunteered to repair everything that was necessary to get them safely in the house.” She said it is a story that she will always remember. “That is a story that will always stay with me of the Christmas Mother organization and how we impacted an entire family.” The Christmas Mother program has in turn impacted Goodman in ways she couldn’t have foreseen. She volunteered with the nonprofit some in 2017, when her sister-in-law, Jo Goodman, was the Christmas Mother. But she didn’t really see all the program was and did at that time – that it was a year-round program helping people not only at Christmas but with reallife devastating situations such as car accidents and house fires.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Some of the highlights of being the 2021 Powhatan Christmas Mother for Dale Goodman included doing a special cheer with Powhatan High School cheerleaders at football games (above); riding a float with former Christmas Mothers during the Powhatan Christmas Parade (center), and holding a Winter Wonderland Ball (below). Also at the ball were former Christmas Mothers Betsy Blandford and Mary Harrison.

“So getting to know the ins and the outs and everything the organization does and how it is so organized, it just gave me a whole new perspective of how people want to help one another. They really do. That goes from the volunteers here in the organization to even just residents in the county. They really do want to help and they want to see results,” she said. Laura McFarland may be reached at antoday.com.Lmcfarland@powhat-

Introduce us to your principalassistant : Amanda Johnson is joining our team from her most recent position as a special education lead teacher at Flat Rock Elementary. With over 20 years of experience in public education, seven of which has been spent with PCPS, Amanda is excited to transition into this new role. She brings with her a passion for students, a commitment to instruction and a work ethic unmatched by most. She is ready for an amazing year and we are delighted that she is a part of our Pocahontas community.

Page 6A Powhatan Today, August 17, 2022 Principal Questions and AnswersPOWHATAN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL Optionsinclude: •$20/monthunlimitedtalkandtextbeforeLifelinediscountof$5.25 •Federaldiscountof$9.25appliedtoT-Mobileplanswith4.5GBdataormore Areyoueligible? Youmayqualifybasedonyourincomeorifyoucurrentlyparticipateinfederalassistanceprograms suchasMedicaid,FoodStamps(SNAP)orSupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI).Ifyou’rearesidentof federallyrecognizedTribalLands,youmayqualifyforadditionaldiscounts. DiscountedwirelessserviceisprovidedbyT-MobileNortheastLLCundertheLifelineassistance program.Lifelineisagovernmentassistanceprogramthatprovidesonlyeligibleconsumerswith discountedservicethatisnontransferableandisavailableforonlyonelineperhousehold.Ahousehold isdefined,forpurposesoftheLifelineprogram,asanyindividualorgroupofindividualslivingatthe sameaddressthatshareincomeandexpenses.T-MobileoffersLifelineserviceonlyinareaswherethe companyhasEligibleTelecommunicationsCarrierst atus.YoumayfindmoreinformationaboutLifeline andotherwirelessservicesavailablefromT-MobileUSA,Inc.,atwww.T-Mobile.com. Limited-timeoffer;subjecttochange.Salestaxandregulatoryfeesincludedinmonthlyrateplanpricefortalkandtextplan. 5G: Fordata services.Capabledevicerequired.Someusesmayrequirecertainplanorfeature;seeT-Mobile.com.Fastestbasedonmedian,overall combinedspeedsaccordingtoanalysisbyOokla®ofSpeedtestIntelligence®datadownloadspeedsforQ12022.Ooklatrademarksused underlicenseandreprintedwithpermission. Unlimitedtalk&textfeaturesforbasicdirectcommunicationsbetween2people;others (e.g.,conference,chatlines,iMessage)maycostextraorrequiredataallotment. Domesticonlyunlessotherwisespecified. Coverage notavailableinsomeareas. NetworkManagement: Servicemaybe slowed,suspended,terminatedorrestricted formisuse,abnormal use,interferencewithournetworkorabilitytoprovidequa lityservicetootherusers,orsignificantroaming.See TermsandConditions (includingarbitrationprovision) atwww.T-Mobile.comforadditionalinformation.T-Mobile,theTlogo,andthemagentacolorare registeredtrademarksofDeutscheTelekomAG.©2022T-MobileUSAInc. GetT-Mobileservicewithadiscountupto $9.25amonth. QualifyandswitchtoAmerica’slargest andfastest5Gnetwork Seeifyouqualifyandlearnhowtoapplyat www.T-Mobile.com/lifelineorcall1‐800‐937‐8997. Isabella Worrell Flat Rock Elementary Introduce us to your principal:assistant Meghan Ellis (the only returning elementary assistant principal) Question: This is the ﬁrst school year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit that PCPS is anticipating opening as normal. Are there any changes or improvements in your school or with your staﬀ you want to make the families aware of for the coming school year?

Question: This is the ﬁrst school year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit that PCPS is anticipating opening as normal. Are there any changes or improvements in your school or with your staﬀ you want to make the families aware of for the coming school year?

Answer: For the upcoming school year, Pocahontas is incredibly fortunate to have three full-time school counselors! These staff members will focus their attention directly on students through individual counseling, small group counseling, and whole group lessons. I also want our families to check out our new spirit rock! While all schools have a common goal of educating their students, they often use different approaches. Would you give a few examples of ways your school approaches its curriculum to get your students excited about learning? At the elementary level, it is developmentally appropriate for students to be learning through play and discovery. Our teachers use games and activities that require students to interact with each other and work collaboratively. In math, for example, our students are using blocks, dinosaurs and paper clips to practice addition. They are counting to 100 while jumping, stomping and clapping and building towers with cups that have math facts to practice. The focus on instruction in science for all grade levels is for students to DO science, and really engage and think about the natural world in which we live. In the upper elementary science classrooms, our students are challenged to develop their own experiments rather than replicating ones that have been done before. With this approach, students have to understand various tools and concepts, think for themselves and be able to explain what they know in a meaningful way. For families with children entering school for the first time this year, what advice would you give to help them prepare before classes begin next week? For families with children that have never been in school, I encourage them to get into a routine as soon as possible. Part of this routine is getting adequate sleep and arriving at school on time. It is also talking to your child every day about what they learned. Let them know that mistakes are not only acceptable, but a natural part of the learning process. Encourage perseverance with tough tasks. Help them see things through and not quit when it gets too hard. No matter what grade, read TO and WITH your child every night. Regularly practicing the skills they learn at school will help to reinforce those skills and get students into good learning habits. Looking ahead to the coming school year, what are the top pieces of advice you would give to parents to help their students flourish? In a "normal" year, I would tell parents to read and expand their child's vocabulary. After the last two years with the pandemic, however, the best advice I could give parents is to help their children unplug. Put away the electronics. Go outside and play. (They still need to read every day! I'm not giving them a pass on that!) I would also tell parents to make an effort to put their child in social situations where they are part of a team or a group that focuses on cooperation and toughing out difficult situations. Model and encourage kindness. Other critical skills that will help a student to flourish are interacting with others in an appropriate way, following simple directions and listening to others (especially the teacher!).

Constance G. Deal SchoolElementaryPowhatan Introduce us to your assistant principal: KP Gobble comes to Powhatan Elementary School with 22 years of experience at the elementary level with a background in both general and special education. KP is a product of Powhatan County Public Schools and is beyond thrilled that her children will be as well. KP taught for 11 years throughout the state prior to returning to Powhatan County in 2011 where she served as special education lead teacher at Pocahontas Elementary.

Answer: I am going into my 21st year as principal at Powhatan Elementary and looking forward to the students and staff returning to school on Monday, Aug. 22. It’s going to be an exciting and fantastic year at Powhatan Elementary. We are starting the year as we did pre-pandemic without having to wear masks, without 6 feet restrictions, without bus restrictions. After the first month of school we will invite parents to come in for lunch and volunteer in the classrooms. The first month of school staff and students will be reviewing school wide expectations in the different school locations and setting classroom routines/procedures. POWES will be collaborating with Powhatan Middle School on select Fridays to support students as part of their new student mentor club. Many new teachers and staff joined the Powhatan Elementary community. We are looking forward to the energy and enthusiasm each of them will bring to our school. While all schools have a common goal of educating their students, they often use different approaches. Would you give a few examples of ways your school approaches its curriculum to get your students excited about learning? Our grade levels collaborate/plan together weekly. We have interactive learning and project-based learning to Empower Today to Innovate for Tomorrow. Our resource teachers integrate different learning approaches at each grade level that matches what the students are learning in their classrooms. For families with children entering school for the first time this year, what advice would you give to help them prepare before classes begin next week? Prepare for the next day the night before. Set a schedule for morning, afternoon and evening routines. Get plenty ofTakerest.time to help your children open up their lunch items on their own - independent skills will be most beneficial and encouraged for each child to be successful at breakfast/snack/lunch time. Help the students learn to tie their own shoes and dress themselves independently. Help them to pack their own bookbags for the day and take items out in the afternoons. Organize an area see PRINCIPALS, pg. 8

Answer: First, I would like to say how thrilled we are to be opening under more typical beginning of the year conditions! Seeing classrooms with “normal” set ups is so nice and the teachers are excited to be able to work with students without concerns of group size and social distancing requirements. As far as changes we have quite a few new staff members including our friendly front office staff! Chris Baldwin is our new bookkeeper, Stephanie Miffleton is our new registrar, and Loretta Mabry is our new Special Education Lead Teacher. Come by and say hello! While all schools have a common goal of educating their students, they often use different approaches. Would you give a few examples of ways your school approaches its curriculum to get your students excited about learning? In order to get a child excited about learning we need to tap into what is meaningful for each child. Everyone learns differently and has their own talents and challenges and as educators we can’t ignore either. No one feels excited when they are not meeting with success! In order for kids to be successful we have to meet them where they are academically-whether that means interventions or enrichment. Additionally, students need to feel safe and valued at school to reach their full potential. For families with children entering school for the first time this year, what advice would you give to help them prepare before classes begin next week? We will hold Kindergarten Orientation (4-5 p.m.) and Open House for returning students (5-7 p.m.) on Thursday, August 18. For new students in grades 1-5 we will have a New Student Orientation at 5 p.m. If possible, bring your child to meet their teacher, see their classroom, and drop off supplies. Sometimes just seeing the space and meeting the teacher will help calm any first day jitters. Looking ahead to the coming school year, what are the top pieces of advice you would give to parents to help their students flourish? Take an interest in what your child is doing in school-ask questions about what they are learning, what’s hard and what’s easy, and read to/with your child every day! Volunteer at school, join Watchdogs or the PTO, attend school events whenever possible and communicate with your child’s teacher. As the new principal, what do you want parents and the community to know about your approach to leading and fostering learning at Flat Rock? We are a team, and by team, I mean that Flat Rock cannot succeed without the support of our parents and community as we work together to support our students. My job is to support the whole team on our “Road to Greatness.” Please each out to me if I can help in any way! #enjoythejourney Tom Sulzer SchoolElementaryPocahontas

Question: This is the ﬁrst school year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit that PCPS is anticipating opening as normal. Are there any changes or improvements in your school or with your staﬀ you want to make the families aware of for the coming school year?

Watch out for school buses back on the road

The event will have a $20 entry fee for vehicles but spectators get in for free. For more information or to donate, contact Wes at 804-833-1644 or Zac at Powhatan518-683-3955.Cooperative Extension is offering a Drinking/Well Water Testing Clinic. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, residents may come to the Extension Office in Powhatan, otherwise known as the Powhatan Village Building, (3910 Old Buckingham Rd. Powhatan, VA 23139) and receive your well water testing kit along with directions on how to use it. Then, from 7 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, they may drop off the samples at the same location. However, you can stay in your car and drive through the back parking lot, accessed by Tilman Road. The at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, there will be an interpretation meeting of your results in the Powhatan Village Building, (same building as Powhatan Extension Office), in the auditorium. Cost is $65 per sample. Registration required at com/2022GPwellwatertesthttps://tinyurl. or by calling the Powhatan Extension office at 804-598-5640. Ongoing Powhatan Food Pantry is currently seeking volunteer drivers who can pick up food from the local Food Lions on different days between 8:30 and 10 a.m. and transport them to the nonprofit at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 com.powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.or

Less than a year ago, a 9-year-old old boy in Henry County was left fighting for his life after being struck by a truck while getting off a school bus. Just a few years earlier, two young girls lost their lives in Dillwyn after they were hit while crossing the road to meet their bus. It isn’t always the fault of the driver when these kinds of events occur, and sometimes even the most careful planning can’t account for a child making a mistake or an impulsive decision. But this is why it is absolutely imperative that motorists remain aware any time they see children waiting for, boarding or disembarking from a bus. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers are required by law to: Stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when approaching from any direction.Remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus moves again. Stop whenever the bus is loading or unloading passengers, even if the lights and stop sign are not activated. Anyone who has driven a school bus—and these everyday heroes rarely get the credit they deserve for doing a tremendously challenging job—can attest to the fact that not everyone sees fit to abide by the law. In a world where distractions follow us everywhere and the pressure to do more and push ourselves harder continues to ramp up, it’s worth remembering that accidents can happen in seconds. On behalf of all Powhatan children, we ask that drivers obey speed limits, avoid phone use while behind the wheel and keep students’ safety a top priority. Not only is it the law, it’s the right thing to do for your community.

Classifieds Cindy Adams cadams@mechlocal.com

Powhatan Today welcomes your Letters to the Editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Letters, which should be no longer than 400 words, must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. The deadline is noon the Thursday before publication, but letters may be held until the following week upon the editor’s discretion. The publisher or editor of Powhatan Today reserves the right to edit or withhold from publication any letter for any reason whatsoever. Once received, all letters become the possession of Powhatan Today. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not necessarily that of Powhatan Today or its staff

By Beth N. Teigen Special to the Powhatan Today As the 2022-2023 school year approaches, I have a renewed sense of excitement. I know this is partly due to recently stepping into the role of superintendent for Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS). It is also a result of my passion for each student to become their best self. Each new year provides an opportunity to reflect on our priorities and identify areas of focus. Our theme for the year is REV-ing it up! PCPS is Re-setting Expectations and the Vision. This summer, the instructional team reviewed and revised the K-12 literacy and math plans, and students can expect a clear focus on reading, writing and numeracy. Simultaneously, teachers will focus their learning on reengaging students in the learning process, to include providing students with personalized instruction, giving them voice and choice in their learning activities. Students will take a deeper dive into potential career opportunities. They will explore how their interests align with various career choices. Oftentimes, student selfawareness is the springboard for finding a desired post-secondary pathway. This focus will begin in kindergarten and extend through high school. At the high school level, students will be encouraged to seek authentic work experiences through service-learning opportunities, shadowing, mentorships and internships.Students may identify potential career pathways when they can personalize and connect their learning to their own interests and/or community. Creativity and critical thinking skills will be fostered within the classroom, and learning will extend beyond the school building. Intertwined through the learning will be a focus on the core value of integrity. The goal of personalized learning for students is only possible when there is a high-quality teacher in every classroom working collaboratively with their colleagues to advance the mission of the organization. The Human Resources Department has worked tirelessly all summer to ensure the schools are fully staffed with only the best teachers, who are supported by strong administrators and dedicated support staff. It is our faculty and staff in the classrooms who transform instruction from a passive activity to an engaging learningTheopportunity.lastessential component to a successful school year is strong partnerships. Mutually beneficial and sustainable partnerships with businesses/industries, civic organizations, churches, colleges and universities are needed for PCPS to meet expectations. In addition, families and volunteers will be embraced as invaluable partners and key collaborators. By working collectively, community members and families will feel welcome and want to be engaged in the school system. Ultimately, this will result in students being more likely to succeed in school and in life. As summer wanes and fall approaches, work begins on a new strategic plan. Input is needed and desired to ensure the goals are aligned with the needs of our students, their families and the community. It is through strong communication, thoughtful collaboration, critical thinking and creative innovating that Powhatan Schools will continue to move from an exemplary to an epic school division! Beth N. Teigen, Ph.D., is the Powhatan County Public Schools Superintendent.

CALENDAR Too many animals lost to hazards of the roads

Everyone sees various animals at one time, or another, mangled on the roads. Lots of squirrels, the occasional possum, the woozy scent of a skunk but no skunk carcass and unidentiﬁable squished animal parts and stains. Maybe even the remains of a family’s pet dog or cat. And the tally of deer killed. You happen upon them lying crumpled in the grass by the side of the road. In various stages of their sad end-states. And while trying to count those corpses just over the last year, you marvel at the number you’ve come up with. You wonder, “How many deer are evenAllleft?”ofthe highway deer deaths are tragic. But the one deer, apart from all of the others, that broke my heart was the one killed on Highway 60. I suddenly came upon the large doe lying dead on the median’s broken white center line her body pointing west with her forelegs tucked under the front of her body and her hind legs tucked underneath the rear of her body, her head lying on the asphalt. It was as if she was prostrate praying. I could see no obvious trauma on her body as I sped past. It was hard to catch my breath upon seeing her like that. I willed her to get up and run away as I looked in my rearview mirror, but I knew deep down she never would. Her premature death at the hands of an automobile seemed like an abomination for such a beautiful animal. I hope American ingenuity can come up with a ﬁx to stop this accidental slaughter, or at least slow it up. My haunted memory of this doe lying on the highway always stabs my heart drawing invisible blood every time I think of her lying in the road. Sincerely yours, Joe PowhatanOndishkoCounty

What is your favorite back-to-school memory or E-mailexperience?answers to editor@powhatantoday.com or share them on the Powhatan Today’s Facebook page.

By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News

Publisher Joy Monopoli jmonopoli@rsnva.com

Teigen REV’d up for start of school

Sports Editor Robby Fletcher rfletcher@powhatantoday.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Facebook or our KieranChildren’sPediatricTheFoundationbenefitProceedsinyear’sdutyWalter,StateannuallyPowhatan.18a.m.andpresentedTheheartofvirginiabeekeepers.org.website:BeLikeMikeAutoShowbySeay’sAutobodyTowingwillbeheldfrom10to5p.m.onSunday,Sept.at2693RockyOakRoad,TheeventisheldinmemoryofVirginiaPoliceSpecialAgentMikewhodiedinthelineofonMay27,2017.ThiseventisalsobeingheldhonorofKieranHathaway.fromthiseventwilltheAskChildhoodCancer(www.askccf.org).nonprofithelpsfundtheOncologyprogramatHospitalofRichmond.wastreatedatthisclinic.

Continued from pg. 4

Dear Editor, Powhatan county, shaped like an arrow head, is a beautiful piece of real estate. Some might say the people and businesses and churches have a nostalgic Mayberry look and feel to them. Not a bad thing in this day and age. A lot of the folks here say “Yes, ma’am” and “Yes, sir” when addressing you, a cordial practice of respect abandoned in the larger cities. Feels good to hear it and give it back. Maybe Powhatan’s newest check-usout advertising: “Powhatan: A little slice of heaven in a tumultuous world.” The underlying inference “Unlike the nearby cities of concrete, asphalt and their stressedoutThepopulations.”corninthe ﬁelds is now 7 feet-plus tall, a delicious green and tasseling nicely. The peanut and soy ﬁelds are bushed-out and lush as far as the eye can see. Their farmers are probably wishing for more rain. They always do. There’s a lot riding on their crops. Tall old growth hard wood trees and pines snuggle against each other for miles and miles. Enchanting and wonderous, they and the underbrush, nurture all manner of native creatures large and small, those earthbound and those who freewheel in the skies. But, and there is always a ‘but’ in paradise. The snake made it so. On our roads there is a constant collision between technology and Mother Nature and Mother Nature is taking a beating. Roadkill is a painfully clinical word used to describe what happens to an animal when hit by a 3-ton car speeding at 55 miles per hour. This movie’s ending is never happy.

METRO CREATIVE

August 17, 2022 Page 7A 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116 Phone: 804-746-1235 Toll Free: 877-888-0449 Fax: 804-344-8746 Powhatan Today is published weekly on Wednesday with offices located at 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116. Periodical Postage paid at Powhatan, Va. 23139. USPS # 000-035 © 2022 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 11,026. WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

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BETH TEIGEN

As children across Powhatan head back to school, area drivers are once again being urged to use an extra measure of caution when heading to work in the morning or running errands in the afternoon. It only takes a moment, after all, for tragedy to occur, and a few seconds of inattention can have serious— or even fatal—consequences.

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

Introduce us to your principals:assistant I am thrilled to introduce Mr. Aaron Boughner, Dr. Alecia Clements, and Ms. Kami Louth as PHS’s Assistant Principals. Mr. Boughner joined PHS last year. Before joining PHS, Aaron served as Dean of Students at Cosby High School. Dr. Clements and Ms. Louth are joining us from Chesterﬁeld. Dr. Clements was most recently Dean of Students at Swift Creek Middle School, and Ms. Louth was Dean of Students at Manchester Middle School. All three assistant principals have a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly serve our students, families, staff, division, and community well.

where they can complete their homework and studies Looking ahead to the coming school year, what are the top pieces of advice you would give to parents to help their students ﬂourish? Talk and listen to your child daily, read with your child every night, have open communication with your child’s teacher and take an active role in their education. Join the PTO and be involved in the PTO school activities, attend school events with your child throughout the year, relax and enjoy time as a family and help them be the best student they can be. Be responsible, respectful, safe and kind - follow our Powhatan Pride! It’s important for students to attend the entire instructional day, 9 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Introduce us to your principals:assistant Jon Ferguson, seventh grade, in his ﬁrst year at PMS, and Christine Phaup, eighth grade, in her sixth year at PMS.

Question: This is the ﬁrst school year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit that PCPS is anticipating opening as normal. Are there any changes or improvements in your school or with your staﬀ you want to make the families aware of for the coming school year?

5. Reach out to your child’s teachers, counselor, or administer with any concerns early. Middle school can be a challenging time and we are here to support you and your child during their time of growth in adolescence. Sixth through eighth grades represent a huge time of transition for young people. What are some of the best tools in the middle school’s tool box to help its students through the ups and downs of their middle school years?

MartinSamantha MiddlePowhatanSchool

The best tool for middle schoolers is having a growth mindset. There is a great deal of learning from sixth to eighth grade and having a growth mindset is important. A growth mindset helps students understand that the learning requires failure as a part of the learning process. High school is right around the corner for PMS students. What aspects of preparing for high school should families be thinking about in middle school, depending on their ages? Middle school provides an opportunity for students to explore a variety of interests. During middle school it is important for students to be able to try new things and identify some areas that they may want to explore further in high school. We encourage all students to get connected in a school or community activity. Middle school is also a time for students to learn how to stay organized with school work, monitor their learning and grades, and become more and more independent. These skills are key to success in high school.

PHS marching band, choirs ready for new season

Answer: This year we are Bringing our Best! We are very excited to be planning and getting back to events that we have had in the past, such as the parent-student dodgeball tournament, school dances and clubs. We are looking forward to welcoming the community back into schools to partner with us in a variety of ways. Looking ahead to the coming school year, what are the top pieces of advice you would give to parents to help their children ﬂourish? Here are our top pieces of advice for middle school: 1. Maintain active involvement in school activities and communication. Join the PTO! 2. Help your student give their best by being in school all day every day.3. Engage in conversations about school with your child and check grades on a weekly basis by having your child log into PowerSchool and show their grades to you. 4. Put your child’s name on jackets, lunchboxes, water bottles, etc. Middle schoolers can be forgetful.

Christopher M. Sumner, Ph.D. Powhatan High School

Answer: We are extremely excited for a “normal” opening and what we hope will be a normal school year. During the pandemic, schools everywhere had to adjust their sails to serve our internal and external communities socioemotionally. We will still work to address socioemotional needs but also intend to reset expectations to levels that PHS, PCPS and the Powhatan community are known for. We will keep the bar high to ensure our students get the foundation needed to thrive in the global community. What insights would you give to incoming freshmen facing their impending first day of school? I encourage incoming freshmen to make the most of their high school experience. I urge them to get involved and try new things. We have lots of clubs and organizations at PHS that make HS enjoyable. I want students to take advantage of these opportunities because they’re fun, they promote a sense of school spirit and community, and they will help prepare students for success in life. I also urge students to ask questions when they have them. People don’t know what they don’t know. PHS faculty and staff are here to help. What are some of the biggest pitfalls seniors fall into during their final year of high school, and how can they be avoided? Attendance is always a barrier to success and can serve as a barrier to course credit. For students to succeed and for us to help them – students must attend school. I encourage all students, not just seniors, to slow down and enjoy the experience. Once high school is over, it’s over. You never get those years back. I hope our students will take advantage of this time while they can. What are the top pieces of advice you would give to parents who want to help and support their teenagers weighing future options such as college, the military, trade school, the workforce or another path and how best to achieve their desired outcomes? I hope families will explore all options for their students. Our counseling staff has access to a wide variety of resources that can help students and families arrive at decisions that are best for them regardless of their student’s career path. I encourage families to stay in touch with their student’s counselors throughout the year, not just when there is a problem or its time to choose courses for the following year. As the new principal, what do you want parents and the community to know about your approach to leading and fostering learning at the high school? My goal is to help everyone reach their fullest potential. I firmly believe in setting and maintaining high expectations for everyone. People can do amazing things. They will also rise to the occasion. We will keep the bar high, and I am confident that folks will stretch, grow, and reach or surpass it.

PRINCIPALS to personal devices in case of a crisis. Dr. Beth Teigen, the new superintendent, said more information will be coming about that topic but added that in a crisis, students need to be focusing on the adults giving them direction to keep them safe. Susan Smith, District 2, asked about the expectations for teachers, and Omohundro said they are expected not to use non-school devices during the school day for personal use either. Other business handled at the meeting included: The board heard community pushback from several members of the public regarding updating the division’s Rights and Responsibilities with regard to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Specifi cally, six members of the public spoke at either the beginning or end of the meeting to oppose the school board changing the division’s FOIA Officer from human resources director Teri Allison to Nicholas Snead. This was a “receive information” item, so no action or vote was taken at this meeting. The complaints were not specifically about anything Snead had done but his connection with brother Andrew Snead, who was arrested June 30 on charges of taking indecent liberties with a minor by a person in custodial or supervisory relationship. Some of those who spoke focused more on the good work done by Allison, while others questioned the impact of having Snead in the position, especially if there were any future FOIA requests regarding the case. Teigen pointed out the FOIA Officer does not create materials, only helps facilitate the process. She added her administrative assistant is responsible for tracking each FOIA request. Other topics brought up in the public comment periods included the need for fair treatment of students with special needs; making sure all sports teams have the equipment and facilities they need; a high student urging the board not to approve complete restrictions on electronic devices; worries about sexually explicit content being taught in schools or available in the school libraries, and concerns about drug use by students.There were also outbursts twice during the meeting from people in the audience. One man appeared to leave on his own afterward, but a woman who was not allowed to speak during the public comment period because she was neither a resident nor a school employee spoke out during the meeting and was escorted out by a deputy at the request of the school board. The board voted unanimously to approve the Community Partnership VPI-4 year old class with Workshop Way - Little Zion Baptist Church. PCPS received seven spots for VPI-4 in the Community Partnership program. The agreement through Workshop Way - Little Zion Baptist Church allows the division to increase its membership for students in the preschool program to continue for 2022-2023. The board did not have any discussion on this before voting. The board heard a presentation from Omohundro about summer learning, which included different learning recovery programs, summer school and summer camps. She talked about enrollment numbers and the structure of summer school. She talked about staff summer learning, which included virtual and face-toface professional development opportunities and training. She also touched on facilities updates over the summer, transportation scheduling for the new school year and hiring efforts – pointing out the monumental task undertaken by the human resources staff to get positions filled.

The Powhatan High School Marching Band and Combined Show Choirs gathered Aug. 12 in the midst of their camps for a group photo along with the instructional staff and directors for the two programs.

Continued from pg. 4 SCHOOL BOARD

Continued from pg. 6

Question: This is the ﬁrst school year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit that PCPS is anticipating opening as normal. Are there any changes or improvements in your school or with your staﬀ you want to make the families aware of for the coming school year?

Page 8A Powhatan Today, August 17, 2022

thestandingsonceagain,finishingin secondplacethisyear. AdamscompetesintheYouth GirlsOpen3Dpro/amcircuitthat startedinFebruaryandendedon July28withtheASADeltaMcKenzie ClassicPro/Am,whichAdamswonwith 2012-pointshotsandatotalscore of432,justedgingoutsecondplace finisherEmilyHousepian,whoended upwinningASAShooteroftheYear. Shealsotookhomefirstprize attheTRUBall/BlackEaglePro/am onJune2andreclaimedherstate crownattheVirginiaStateASA 3Dchampionship.Shealsowon VirginiaShooteroftheYeartoaddtoa terrificseason.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Powhatan field hockey players cut brush and weeds at the Richmond Animal League on Aug. 5 as part of a community service and bonding day. With the season just about to start for the Powhatan field hockey team, the players are already starting to build muchneeded chemistry with each other before the season-opener in a special way.Coaches Stephanie Tyson and Caryn Rehme brought the team together off the field on Aug. 5 for a day filled with activities to help the community, cycling workouts and a chance for the girls to really connect before they head back on the field for a season filled with promise.“It is definitely one of the days during the season that I look forward to the most, and it seems like the girls really enjoy it, too. We all had such an awesome day,” Tyson said. This day of teambuilding is an example of what Tyson and Rehme have emphasized on the sidelines to past teams, with an emphasis on character building through open communication and giving back proving vital to past teams working seamlessly together as athletes on the field and community leaders off of it. “Caryn Rehme and I have worked extremely hard over the years to build a family type atmosphere within this program,” Tyson said. “We feel it is very important for the girls to learn about more than just the game of field hockey during their time with us.” see FIELD HOCKEY, pg. 2

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor Football season is back for the Powhatan Indians, who bring forward a team heavy on senior leadership, but ﬁlled with inexperience and unproven talent. The Indians roster holds 18 seniors and three returning starters from last year’s team that went 7-4 and proved to be one of the toughest matchups in a stacked Dominion District.With their ﬁrst game against Mechanicsville fast approaching, it’s time to take a look at what to expect from each position group the Indians have as they enter this season with depth, speed and one of the best quarterbacks in the district.

After a theson2021-22historicsea-thatfoundKnights atop the mountain with a VISFL Division II state title to their name, the team looks to build off that monumental success this year with a roster that has plenty of returning skill players and defensive which is replacing the impact of multiple highlevel athletes that graduated. Players like Josh Decker, Garrett Musselman, Nathan Roberts and Harrison Lee were vital components to last year’s success, and the Knights will be looking for its current veterans to step into the roles they left behind.Returning for his fourth season on the sidelines is head coach Gary Brock, who won his second state title last year in his illustrious coaching career that’s spanned over 40 seasons. The well-regarded coach boasts a 127-102-1 career coaching record. With Musselman and Roberts working together to provide stability on both the offensive and defensive lines, the Knights will be bringing in an entirely new group in the trenches.Senior Nathan Barras and juniors Parker Gill and Mason Hogan will be tasked with handling the duties on the offensive line this season, while senior David Mann, Hogan and freshman Carter Cichowicz will get a shot at taking over key roles on the defensive line. Barnes, a two-year starter at center, will be a see BSH, pg. 2

August 17, 2022 Page 1B

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Powhatan, Virginia Football season in Powhatan is back

Indians ﬁeld hockey builds chemistry through service

Running Back Replacing the impact of three-time offensive MVP and All-State running back Mitchell Johnson is one of the questions for the Indians to answer this season, with Henderson saying an open competition of ﬁve Indians has been one of the most interesting storylines coming into the season. One standout that should no doubt make an impact is senior Landon Hutchinson, who also plays in the secsee FOOTBALL, pg. 2

Preview: BSH football looks to reclaim state title

Leading the charge for the Indians is senior Dylan Trevillian, who enters the season as the Day 1 starter for the second consecutive season. The All-Metro dual threat threw for 1,703 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, displaying good size and a live arm that should help the Indians’ more inexperienced skill players adapt to their larger roles smoothly.

WHO: MADELYNADAMS WHATSHEDID: Ayearafterplacingfifthinthe finalstandingsforASAShooterofthe Year,15-year-oldPowhatanarcher MadelynAdamshasskyrocketedup

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor FILE PHOTO Blessed Sacrament Huguenot’s Hunter Case (44) runs the football into the end zone for a two-point conversion during the Knights’ fall season opener at The Covenant School on Aug. 28, 2021.

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PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER Powhatan senior quarterback Dylan Trevillian drops back to pass at a practice held on Aug. 11. Trevillian is one of three returning starters for the Indians.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

288 1 Warrant service 5 Welfare check 4

JAMES NICHOLS NICHOLS, James Howard, 73, of Powhatan, Virginia, passed away August 6, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Fay Nichols; son, Shawn Nichols; grandchildren, Kayela and Christopher (Angie); greatgrandchildren, Ryleigh, Brooke, Aislynn, Kayelynn, Emma, Skyler and James; many "in-laws" and a number of nieces and nephews. He proudly served his country as a Staff Sargent in the U.S.A.F. Services were held Friday, August 12, 2022, at 10 a.m. in the Amelia Veterans Cemetery. Interment Amelia Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at the Gospel Light Baptist Church at 2109 Anderson Hwy. on Saturday, August 20 at 11 a.m., covered dish reception to follow. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh. com.

Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age! Program is free; requires independent participation. Weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are usually held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Contributed Report Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age!Weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Lane. The group is also planning other events that fall outside of the normal weekly session. Upcoming events are: Aug. 25 – 10 a.m. and noon, two free T’ai Chi Classes for beginners. Visiting instructor from Tai Chi Center of Charlottesville. Amazing benefits to strength, balance and flexibility. (@ RescueAug.Squad)31– Deadline for Chartered bus trip payment, a $35 cost. The day trip to Courtland, Virginia will take participants to the Chereonhaka Intertribal Native American Powwow. The trip will take place Saturday, Nov. 5, leaving from Powhatan village. Sept. 8 – The 10 a.m. event is a caregiver support group specific to dementia and Alzheimer’s. Find support and a safe place among others on a similar journey. It will be held at May Memorial Baptist Church. Sept. 9 – Beginning at 10 a.m.by reservation only. Private tech assistance - specific to your device and topic you want to learn. Held at Powhatan County Public Library. Sept. 11 is the deadline for registration in Color Challenge ‘22! This fun relay will be held Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Fighting Creek Park, with refreshments and event t-shirt provided. Sign up based on your own agility level and the day will feature walk, three-wheeled bike and grab and go relay for each agility level. This event is Powhatan’s first activity held in Vandalism Vehicle fire

The new Farmers Market at Tavern 19 is a grower’s market, featuring farm fresh seasonal produce, grass fed meats, fruits and berries, honey, baked goods, value added products and select artisan crafts. Independence Golf Course is the ideal setting for a farmers market – it’s a park-like setting with plenty of parking and grass covered by large shade trees. The market has free Wi-Fi, a stage, electricity, food provided by Tavern 19, picnic tables, live music, kid’s activities and more! Come grab some dinner and stock up for the week on fresh local products! For more information, visit https://rvagriculture.org/.

Powhatan AA meets at 8 p.m. every Saturday at Manakin Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail. The Christian Motorcyclists Association Powhatan chapter Living Wheels will meet at 6 p.m. at Company 4 Fire station at the intersection of Route 711 and Judes Ferry Road. Find out what they have been doing, and where their next ride or event will be. For more information call Tom Barnes at 804-690-4884 or Mark Lewis at 804-432-1831. Sunday, Aug. 21 May Memorial Baptist Church will have a Blessing of Backpacks on Aug. 21 during the worship service at 11 a.m. Join us in praying for students, teachers, administrators and all school workers for the upcoming school year! Guildfield Baptist Church, 2550 Manakintown Ferry Road, Midlothian, will hold its Annual Homecoming and Revival Services from Aug. 21 to 23. All will begin with Pastor-Elect Rev. Terrell Glenn delivering “God’s Holy Word” for the Homecoming Service at noon on Aug. 21. Boxed lunches will be provided following the service. There will not be an afternoon service. Nightly revival praise and worship begin at 6:30 p.m.; revival services at 7 p.m. Guests speakers are: Aug. 22, the Rev. Marvin L. Gilliam Jr., and Aug. 23, the Rev. Carl Hamiel. Hollywood Baptist Church-Powhatan, 3964 Old Buckingham Road, will have its Homecoming Service and three nights of revival services. The Homecoming Service is at 11 a.m. Aug. 21 with Pastor Otis Lockhart Jr. To-go dinner after service. On the three nights of revival, the speakers will be: Aug. 24, Pastor Pernell Johnson; Aug. 25, Pastor Marcus Martin, and Aug. 26, Elder Caudie Kelly. Monday, Aug. 22 The Huguenot Ruritan Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at May Memorial Baptist Church. For more information, contact Tom Grasty at 804-598-0777. A Powhatan Hope Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at PCC Church, 4480 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, Room 102. It is an open discussion meeting. Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, Aug. 23

Habitat For Humanity - Powhatan depends on volunteers and donors. Habitat is blessed with the community’s helpful, kind and generous participation. The Habitat Store at 1922 Urbine Road will be open on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this pandemic, anyone coming into the store must wear a facemask. The office is located in the Habitat Store and the office number is 804-5947009. Call and volunteer! Donate! Help us build!!

SULLIVAN NICHOLS

recognition of InCommunity Matters announces fall event schedule for seniors see SENIORS, pg. 3 CRIME REPORT Advice 38 Animal calls 25 Assault 2 Assist 16 Attempt to locate 10 Child welfare 1 Civil 1 Damaged property 1 Death investigation 2 Deliver message 1 Disabled vehicle 12 Disorder/disturbance 6 Domestic 4 Drugs 1 Dumping 1 Fingerprints 1 Fireworks 1 Follow-up 1 Fraud 2 Funeral 1 Gunshot calls 2 Hit and run 3 Hold-up alarm 3 Investigation 5 Larceny 5 Lockout 6 Missing person 1 MVAs 14 Noise 1 Pd alarm 12 Phone threat 1 Project lifesaver 2 Psychiatric 1 Reckless driver 20 Sex offense 1 Stolen vehicle 1 Suspicious 36 Test law 1 Trafﬁc hazard 22 Trafﬁc stop 70 Trailer inspection 1 Trespass 2 Unknown emergency 22

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Page 2A Powhatan Today, August 17, 2022 OBITUARIES see CALENDAR, pg. 4

Arrests One male was charged Aug. 2 with profane swearing/public intoxication (Misdemeanor). One female was charged Aug. 3 with three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, boat or animal (Felony). One male was charged Aug. 4 with larceny with intent to sell or distribute (F), possession of forged coin/bank notes (M) and grand larceny (F). One male was charged Aug. 6 with failure to appear (M). One male was charged Aug. 7 with assault and battery of a family member (M). One male was charged Aug. 7 with consensual sexual intercourse with child 15+ years (M). Incident report for Aug. 1 to 7 - Incident type & total calls

Powhatan Cooperative Extension will hold a SelfPropelled Baler Demo and Alternative Forage Options event from 1 to 3 p.m. at State Farm, VA (directions will be provided prior to the event). Register at https://tinyurl.com/balerfieldday22. For questions, contact Rachel Henley 804-5985640 or Nicole Shuman 804-556-5841. Have you ever wondered what tree you were walking by in Powhatan State Park? This walk may be just what you're looking for. Led by a local master naturalist volunteer, the walk is an introduction to the basics of native tree identification. The walk will take approximately 1.5 hours on an easily travelled trail that passes many of the native trees found in central Virginia. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes and bring plenty of water. All ages are welcome. The walk begins promptly at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Playground Shelter through the end of August. Call the Park Office at 804-598-7148 for more Theinformation.BeefCattle Production 360 Discussion Group typically meets at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month. New members are always welcome to join if you are a seasoned beef cattle producer or just getting started. The group typically starts with a pot luck meal and are held mostly in-person on farms or at the Goochland or Powhatan Extension Offices. For more information, contact Rachel Henley at 804-5985640 or rachelhenley@vt.edu. Awaken to Hope Al-Anon meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The new Bridge of Reason AA meeting is held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Powhatan Mennonite Church, 3549 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. It is an open, decision and literature meeting for Powhatan, Goochland, and Cumberland AAcounties.meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail. Upcoming Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 Old Buckingham Road, provides year-round therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. From April through October, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. Upcoming dates are: Aug. 24; Sept. 13, 20 and 28; Oct. 4, 18 and 26. In November, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. Upcoming dates are Nov. 1, 15 and 30. There are no sessions in December. LDEC is able to provide a variety of services to the veterans because of dedicated volunteers. Those who would like to help and have fun at the same time are asked to consider becoming a member of one of these teams. For more information about Lonesome Dove, visit http://ldequestrian.com/ or contact 804-318Community6485.

The Powhatan Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be held at noon at County Seat Restaurant. Visit www.powhatanchamber.org. Saturday, Aug. 20 Farmers Market at Tavern 19 is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturdays through October on the grounds of Independence Golf Course, 600 Founders Bridge Blvd, Midlothian, VA 23113.

ROBERT SULLIVAN SR. SULLIVAN, Robert W. Sr., 72, of Powhatan, Virginia, passed away on August 8, 2022. He is survived by his three children, Trudy (Ken), Angie (Orlando) and Bobby; ﬁve grandchildren, Brittney, Kenny, Chelsey (Luis), Austin (Makayla) and Brandon; three great-grandchildren, Julieta, Mateo and Adeylin. The family received friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home prior to the service that was held Friday, August 12, 2022, at 1 p.m. in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia. Online condolences may be made at Bennettbardenfh.com

Wednesday, Aug. 17 Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age! Program is free; requires independent participation. Weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Lane. At the Aug. 17 session, members of the Huguenot Beekeepers’ Association will teach about all things bees at 10 a.m. Noon, methods and tips on Swedish Death Cleaning, a mindset that considers those we will leave behind one day. The event will include clips from the author of the popular book. It's something we ALL should consider; not just for those close to death. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for Active Services and also by calling the Powhatan Library 804-5985670 and selecting option 3 to hear an updated recording. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more information. Powhatan County Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Meeting rooms are available by reservation; study rooms are available first come, first served. The library offers e-books and materials to borrow in person or by using Books to Go. With Books to Go, patrons may reserve print materials, DVDs, and audiobooks 24/7 online at www. powhatanlibrary or by phone during open hours at 804-598-5670; once the patron is notified that their order is ready, they have three days to pick it up at the to-go shelf. The outdoor library book drop is open 24/7 for returning library items; however, patrons must return mobile hotspots to the circulation desk inside the library. The library accepts donations and the Friends of the Library bookstore is open during library business hours. Visit www.powhatanlibrary.net or call the library at 804-598-5670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-to-date library news, information and program Businessschedules.Network International (BNI) Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www.BNIVA.com for information. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ BNIOnFire or contact executive director Dawne Gulla at dawne@bniva.com or 804-690-9220 for more information. The Free Clinic of Powhatan serves residents from Powhatan, Amelia and Cumberland Counties as well as select Chesterfield areas. Services include medical, dental, counseling and women’s healthcare by appointment. Eligibility requirements on website www. freeclinicofpowhatan.org/patients. Registration for new patients by appointment Mondays 5-8 p.m. or walk-in Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call (804) 598-5637. Thursday, Aug. 18 Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, had its official opening June 7. Moving forward, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The shop is located in the Memorial Baptist Church Youth House, 3926 Old Buckingham Road. Just Kids is a ministry of May Memorial Baptist Church. Clothes cost $2 per bag. The Powhatan Village Farmers Market is open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursdays through September on the grounds of Bienvenue, 3841 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. The market offers families a great way to unwind with live music and food truck fare while catching up with neighbors. The Powhatan market meets all your local farm produce and pastured meat needs, as well as those specialty goods you’re looking for like honey, soap, baked treats, unique artisan crafts and more. Lots of SNAP and Double SNAP options! We’re excited to welcome you to the Powhatan Village farmers market! For more information, contact 302-893-0068 or visit https:// rvagriculture.org/.ACalledtoCareMeeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Powhatan United Methodist Church. This organization offers both support to persons who have health issues and those who are caring for persons with health issues. The meetings may include guest speakers on a myriad of topics related to aging and good health. Guest speakers have included a nurse practitioner, neurologist, nutritionist, physical therapist and many more. All are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by Judy CainOliver, licensed clinical psychologist. The Powhatan Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail. Extensioncom. specialists and industry experts share timely topics for farmers in the Virginia Cooperative Extension Ag Today, held virtually at 9 a.m. every Thursday. These updates are relevant and brief and are recorded for folks who can't join on that day and time. Podcasts (audio only) are posted on Westmoreland VCE webpage and YouTube video recordings can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ atwelcome.organizationaDinneratTheeveryTheeveryThe3435information,LandmarkHighwayAmericanp.m.Thegmail.com.Pat$22besubjectbeatWarMarkContactCain-Oliver,speaker.illness.dealingopenmonth11:30PowhatanbyAaz1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fiYBb914AYRdn7.weorinformationStephanieQUVzrPXDpYsV2HY11CH8KBrluifyO.playlist?list=PL7_2ContactRomelczyk(sromelcz@vt.edu)foronjoiningthemeetinglive.WatchedlistenedtoVCEAGToday?Letusknowhowaredoing!Findoursurveyhere:https://vce.freecaregiversupportgroupsponsoredPowhatanUnitedMethodistChurchandFamilyCounselingwillbeheldata.m.onthefirstandthirdThursdayoftheatthechurch,2253RossonRoad.ItisangroupforanyonewhohasfamilyorfriendswithchronicmentalhealthorphysicalSomemeetingswillhaveaspecialguestThegroupisfacilitatedbyDr.Judithlicensedclinicalpsychologist.Dr.Oliverat804-598-9577yourcalendarsforthenextPowhatanCivilRoundtablemeetingat6:30p.m.onAug.18theCountySeatRestaurant.ThespeakerwillSarahBierleandshewillbespeakingontheof“TheChambersburgRaid.”Dinnerwillincludedwithafeeof$18formembersandfornon-members.Toreservespace,contactWhitmerat240-298-0141orpatwhitmer77@Visitwww.powhatancwrt.com.PowhatanchapteroftheNAACPmeetsat7inthetrainingroomofthePowhatanAfricanCulturalArtsMuseum,4290Anderson(insidethegymofthePocahontasCenter).Allarewelcome.FormorecontactGailHairstonat804-598-orpowhatannaacp@gmail.com.originalPowhatanAAmeetsfrom7to8p.m.ThursdayinthePowhatanVillageBuilding.PowhatanRotaryClubmeetsat7:30a.m.ThursdayattheCountySeatRestaurant.PowhatanRuritanClubwillmeetat6:30p.m.Rosa’sPizzaandItalianEateryinFlatRock.willbeservedfollowedbyaprogramandbriefmeeting.Theyareacommunityservicededicatedtoourcounty.AllareFormoreinformationcallJakeBerman804-651-4503.

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By Laura McFarland Managing Editor POWHATAN –Friends, family and coworkers gathered Friday to remember a Powhatan County employee with a tree dedication in the still developing Village Park. A golden falls weeping redbud was planted in the park in honor and memory of David Varnier, a 16year public works employee who died July 27 at age 69. Varnier began working for the county part time in September 2006 and became a fulltime employee in SeptemberMore2013. than 50 people gathered at the park for the dedication, with several speaking of the impact he had on their lives and the way he interacted withFacilitiespeople. manager Mark Piper said what he loved most about Varnier was that “he always told it like it “Theywas.”always say iron sharpens iron, and he did that for me for many years. He would come in and discuss things with me, and it always left me wanting to do a better job and wanting to do things better,” Piper said. “I always appreciated that with him, because I knew he was always going to shoot straight with me and he always going to tell me the way he saw things. I think we all appreciated that.”Shirley Goins, public works’ administrative associate, described Varnier as a friend who didn’t bite his tongue but also knew how to make people laugh. He never wanted people to do things for him, “but he had a heart of gold that he would do for so many other people and he never wanted you to pay him for anything.” “He might come across as this gruff exterior, but his heart was so filled with love for other people and love for helping and doing for others,” sheVotersaid. registrar Karen Alexander paid tribute to Varnier by laying a few items at the bottom of the tree in his memory and talking about how he took good care of her office. “I loved that Formerman.”employee Paulette Taylor talked about how he helped her when she first started working for the county, joking that he called her “Sugar plumb” and “Puddin’ Pop.” They looked after each other and “he was a beautiful person. I always will remember him be-

Powhatan County

welcomed new

Page 3APowhatan Today, August 17, 2022 Tree dedication honors employee Powhatan County Public Schools 2022-2023 Back to School Dates Source: Powhatan County Public Schools First day of school ........................ Aug. 22 Flat Rock Elementary Back to School - name A-K ....... Sept. 19 7 p.m. Back to School - name L-Z ........ Sept. 20 7 p.m. Powhatan Elementary School Back to School - name A-K ....... Sept. 19 7 p.m. Back to School - name L-Z ........ Sept. 20 7 p.m. Pocahontas Elementary School Back to School - name A-K ....... Sept. 19 7 p.m. Back to School - name L-Z ........ Sept. 20 7 p.m. Powhatan Middle School Student Showcase and Watch Dog Kickoff ........ ......................................... Oct. 6 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Powhatan High School Back to School Night ............ Sept. 20 7 p.m. PCPS welcomes new teachers for 2022-2023

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND Public Schools teachers the 2022-2023 school year last from top row left to right; Craig Nester (very top) by himself; Noah Doczi, Monica Morris, Sarah Gibbs, Bonnie Lambert, Gina Beberdick, Skylar McLaughlin; Olivia Aston, Caitlin Blaisdell, Jim Covais, Kim Ligatti; Anna McGrady, Bailey Wainwright, Catrina Garner, Michael Bell; Catherine Stroman, Stephanie Antosiak, Bethany Arnold, Kim Brown; Erin Andrews, Amy Kastelberg, Lisa Richter, Danielle Mroczkowski, Sarah Dobson, Leslie Lyons; Breanne Amorese, Jarrett Fields, Carley Toney, Bilal Raychouni; Annathan Lacks, Julie Inglish, Gianna Lanciani, Alison McCarraher, Karen Heinike; Katherine Davoud; Christine Peyton, Kelley Erie, Barbara Wood, Amber Ritter; Austin Winkler, Shelby Lent, Sean Bates. Not pictured are Jennifer Lavimodiere, Jon Ferguson, Alicia Clements, Chris Sumner, Kate McConchie, Kami Louth. alittleaboutmeIwouldlovetoknow yourstorywhilewesitonthecouch relaxing,andwatchingamovie.Iwill alsoshowyoumypersonality,andmy devotiontomyfamily.Ifyouwouldlove tomeetme,Pleasecontactthestaffat 804-598-5672andtheywillbehappyto Wesleyassistinschedulingyouanappointment.

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Forsubscriptioninformation ordeliveryquestionscontact: MichelleWall 804-775-2711 email:mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460TimesDispatchBlvd., Mechanicsville,VA23116 598-0799 “AllWorkPersonallySupervisedbyOwner,RichardStanley” LocallyOwned&Operated ProudlyservingPowhatanandthesurroundingcountiessince1985 FullyLicensed&Insured• ClassAContractor• FreeEstimates ALL-STAR PAVING www.allstarpavingva.com A P.S.Wehavesomeexcitingnewstosharetoyou! Wehavebeengivenanawesomeopportunity toupdateoutshelterkennels!Wearestartinga$$CashforKennels$$Fundraiser!Ourgoalistoraise $100.000fornewkennelsforthedogsandcats!Everydollarisgreatlyappreciated.Donationscanbe droppedoffattheshelterlocatedat4000OldPlantationRdormailtoP.O.Box133ATTN:AnimalControl.In thememowrite$$CashforKennels$$.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsplease call804-598-5672. PowhatanSheriff’sOffice|DivisionOfAnimalControl Phone:804-598-5672|Fax:804-598-5109 Ifyouwouldliketohelptheanimals inourcare,youcandosobydonatingtoour medicalfundatClawsandPaws, 4313AndersonHwy.,Powhatan,VA23139 HiEveryonemynameisWesley,Hope everyoneisdoingwell.Sojustalittle aboutme.Icameherefromanother facilityasmytimetherewasup,I wasreallyscaredbecauseIcouldtell becauseIsensedsadness.Iwasso luckythatIwassaved,andbroughthere, Ihavemoreplaytime,Igetblanketsand toys,andmostofallIgetlotsoflove fromthestaff,andtheDogWalkers. Iamaround2to3yearsold,Iam neutered,anduptodateonmyshots, Iamalsomicrochipped.Sothat’sjust

401K,ProfitSharing, Health,Vision,&DentalPlan. Requirements: •HighSchooldiplomaorequivalent •Validdriver’slicense •2+yearsheavyequipmentand/orheavytruck experience Youcanapplyonlineat www.colonypaving.com orat2333AndersonHighway Office:804-598-1400 ColonyConstruction,Inc.providesequalemploymentopportunitiestoallapplicants foremployment&prohibitsdiscrimination&harassmentofanytypewithoutregard torace,color,religion,age,sex,nationalorigin,disabilitystatus,genetics,protected veteranstatus,sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpression,oranycharacteristic protectedbyfederal,stateorlocallaws.Thisappliestoallterms&conditionsof employment,includingrecruiting,hiring,placement,promotion,termination,layoff, recall,transfer,&leavesofabsence,compensation&training. HeavyEquipment&HeavyTruck MECHANIC

ABOVE PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND/ RIGHT PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Above, Mark Piper and Shirley Goins, right, start a tree dedication in the developing Village Park in honor of David Varnier, right, who worked for the county’s public works department for 16 years.

DAVID VARNIER cause he truly loved his coworkers and I just want to thank God for him.” Public works co-worker Aaron James also talked about Varnier taking James under his wing when he was hired and introducing him around among employees during the course Continued from pg. 2

SENIORS ternational Active Aging Week!Sept. 13 – 10 a.m. Reading is Grand - Adults 55+ can register for this program to be paired with a child 5-10 years old for a Sept. 13 event to read to each other, enjoy a craft and refreshments. Registration space is limited. Future ‘Grandreader’ dates will hold another registration.Oct.27 – From 10 to 11:30 a.m., there will be an Alzheimer’s Association Community Forum. If you or a loved one has been affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s, you’ll want to attend. The goal of this forum with community leaders and partners is to hear experiences from those in Powhatan and discover gaps in service or programming that Alzheimer’s Association may be able help to improve Powhatan with. The event will be held at the Rescue Squad Building.Contact program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 or vices.PVA@gmail.com.RASerof their work. “I wouldn’t know all you guys in the county if it wasn’t for Dave,” he said. Since Varnier passed, James said he has apologized to employees as he picked up recycling that he didn’t have Varnier’s memory for jokes to bring them a Beforelaugh.giving the final prayer, an emotional Jamie Timberlake, commissioner of the revenue, said he had never met anybody “who could be as real as him and still show the heart that he had.” Varnier’s sister, Gloria Hicks, and her husband Woody thanked the crowd for their support of her brother. She said he had lived in Powhatan at least 25 years and loved hunting and fishing. Before coming to work for the county, he was a welder and pipefitter for most of his career. Laura McFarland may be reached at land@powhatantoday.com.Lmcfar-

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Three Crosses Distilling Company received multiple awards at the 2021 Craft Distillers Spirits Competition. cluded cell phones, blue tooth devices, cameras, electronic games and e-readers. The concerns raised at that meeting included the distractions these devices represent during class and the use of devices to coordinate inappropriate behavior, such as vandalism of school restrooms.However, based on a staff recommendation, the version the board approved last week gave high schoolers a little more leeway. According to the approved policy, middle school students who bring cell phones to school for the purpose of communicating after school hours must keep them silenced and away in a gym locker, bookbag or purse during the school day. The same goes for high school students during instruction time, but the less restrictive policy now allows them to use those devices only during lunch and transitions. Tracie Omohundro, assistant superintendent for instruction, said the slight loosening of the allowed use came after focus groups were held with input from students and teachers. Transitions are deﬁned as the time between leaving one instructional area and arriving at the next. “They will be setting clear expectations at the high school for what that looks like. They will be communicating that with students and staff. They will create some consequences for students that will be consistent across the building for them,” she said. As far as enforcement, Omohundro said the issue of consistency across the board would be a major point of discussion for Chris Sumner, the high school’s new principal, when staff returned to the school. For a policy change like this to be effective, the school needs to have “consistent application of that policy,” which teachers agreed will make it easier for students to comply, she said. James Taylor III, District 4, agreed having a policy carried out by all staff consistently isRickimportant.Cole,District 1, said the policy is a good compromise to allow students to use devices during lunch and transitions but pointed out that, if students abuse the leeway given them, there is always the option of going back to a restriction for the full day. He asked that the high school make clear to students that “transitions” does not include bathroom breaks during instructional time or going to see another teacher.“We need to be very, very clear to deﬁne what transitions mean to kids, mean to us and how we are going to enforce that,” he said.Cole also asked that the division have a game plan in regard from pg. 1 DEVICE, pg. 8 see CALENDAR, pg. 7

The newest business to the group, Crazy Rooster Brewing Company, only opened in April 2020, so winning a gold medal in the Saison category at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup is a huge accomplishment, co-owner Jason Miller said. The brewery won gold for the Touche de Gris, which is a French farmhouse-style ale. The name is French for Touch of Gray, which is a nod to the brewery’s Grateful Dead tribute origins. When Miller, along with co-owner Tim Torrez and head brewer Brian Knight, attended the award ceremony, they had no idea how they would perform, having only entered the competition once before and not placing. The brewery entered three beers in the competition, and as the chances to win seemed to dwindle down with each award announcement, they worried they would walk away empty handed. “It came down to the gold, our last chance to win, and they called our name. It was pretty euphoric,” Miller said. Still riding high on the win a few days later, Miller said one of the positives about Crazy Rooster receiving a gold medal goes beyond the opportunity to say they have made an award-winning beer and to the wider issue of elevating their reputation, both among other brewers and potential visitors from elsewhere in theTherestate.is also the added beneﬁt for Crazy Rooster as a gold medal winner. The brewery’s winning beer will be served at a Virginia Craft Beer Month reception at the Governor’s Mansion on Aug. 29 along with other gold medal winners.FineCreek Brewing Company’s staff was doubly surprised at the awards winner. While staff members were on their way up to the stage to accept the third place win in the Mixed Fermentation category for their Barrel Aged Golden Sour, their name was announced again as the second place winner for their Biere De Coupage, according to head brewer Brian Mandeville.“Ithinkthe team was pretty excited. These are the kinds of beers I think we are most excited to share with folks – the ones we hope to put out there a little more. So it is always nice to be recognized for that type of beer,” he said. The speciﬁc types of beers you win for tells visitors that come to a brewery what they can expect with the quality of the beers, Mandeville added. “Getting our name out there beyond the crowd out this way is important for the longevity of the business,” he said. “I think medals go a long way to extend our reach a little farther as far as getting our name out of the region and extending our brand awareness and recognition of our brewery beyond Powhatan, the Richmond area and Charlottesville, where the majority of our customer base comes from.”According to the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, the 2022 competition had a record 106 breweries competing in 33 categories. A record 396 beers were entered in the competition. “Wow, what a great competition!” said Charlie Harr, head judge, “It was clearly evident in the tight race that every brewery is extremely dedicated to the craft and their dedication is inspiring. This year’s competition proves Virginia has some of the best craft brewers in the nation.”Thebreweries’ triumphs added to the recognition already claimed this year by Three Crosses Distilling Company from the 2021 Craft Distillers Spirits Competition. In the Premium Whiskey category, Three Crosses American Whiskey received a Double Gold medal, and Best of Class honors. A Double Gold is only awarded to those spirits that all judges unanimously award a gold medal. Additionally, Three Crosses Distilling received a gold medal for its Noble Hound Rye Whiskey and a silver medal for its Noble Hound Dark Rye Whiskey. “We like to think we are making high quality spirits. It feels very validating when others in your industry recognizable you for all of your efforts. It’s very humbling not only to win a Double Gold but a Best in Class,” John Davenport, Three Crosses’ head distiller, said. The distillery also has previously won nearly two dozen awards from many national and international competitions across their product line, including awards from the Great American Spirits Competition, New York International Spirits Competition, American Distilling Institute, Virginia Bourbon Invitational, Sunset International Spirits Competition, Virginia Living’s Best of Virginia and World Whiskey Awards.

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Continued from pg. 2 CALENDAR Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Lane. The next session will be on Thursday, Aug. 25. The Charlottesville Tai Chi Center will present Beginners’ Tai Chi. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese discipline of very slowly controlled movements that greatly benefits strength, flexibility and balance. There will be two class times, 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. It is free to participants. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for Active Services and also by calling the Powhatan Library 804598-5670 and selecting option 3 to hear an updated recording. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more Theinformation.American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Powhatan County Public Library, 2270 Mann Road. Call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “Powhatan” to schedule an appointment. Download the Blood Donor App for easier Joinaccess.the Rural Substance Abuse Awareness Coalition from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3 at Passion Community Church, 4480 Anderson Highway, for a family-friendly celebration of the local recovery community. This event is co-hosted with The ROOT Project and serves as a local kick-off to National Recovery Month. RSAAC will have live music, stories of recovery, a REVIVE naloxone training and vendor tables from community partners. Boka Tako RVA will be serving tacos (the first 50 people will receive a $10 voucher for their meal). Bring the kids because there will be arts and crafts activities and a bounce Thehouse!Heart of Virginia Beekeepers plans to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 at the Prince Edward County Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA 23901 next to Lowe's. Anyone who has bees or is interested in bees is welcome. For more information call Mary Jane Morgan at 434315-1433. To check on possible cancellations or changes, visit

Page 4A Powhatan Today, August 17, 2022 Continued from pg. 1 AWARDS Genito Presbyterian Church 2910GenitoRd.Powhatan,VA 372-9074 WorshipwithusthisSunday Churchservice@9:30AM Sundayschool@10:30AM St.Luke’sEpiscopalChurch SUNDAYS 8:00AMinpersonserviceinthechurch 10:30AMinpersonserviceinthechurch (livestreamed) www.stlukespowhatan.org AllareWelcome Formoreinformationvisitwww.stlukespowhatan.org Route711atThreeBridgeRoad794-6953 CHURCH DIRECTORY PowhatanChristian Fellowship SundayMorningWorship 11:00a.m. SundaySchool10:00a.m. WednesdayNight7:30p.m. 3308PleasantsRoad, 1/4mileoffofRoute711 RussCress,Pastor 598-0733 MeetingSundays inFarmville, ForkUnion,Midlothian, PowhatanandOnline. Visitpccwired.netfor servicestimes&locations. 598-1174pccwired.net Providence Presbyterian Church “WorshipingandWitnessing inWesternPowhatan since1825” WorshipService11:00am AllAreWelcome! 598-4970 Located1950RidgeRoad (Rt.627) St.JohnNeumann CatholicChurch Rev.WalterG.Lewis,Pastor Saturday-5p.m. Sunday-8:30a.m.&11a.m. 598-3754 www.sjnpowhatan.org LocatedbehindFlatRock VillageShoppingCenter E VERGREEN C OMMUNITY C HURCH (PCA) Proclaiming&PracticingtheGospelofJesusChrist WorshipServiceat10:00AM Meetingat2375SkaggsRoad,Powhatan. ECCPCA.ORG 598-8844 Worship: 8:30&10:30am www.powhatanumc.us WeekdayPreschool(ages2-5) 598-6090 2253RossonRd. JustoffRt.13intheVillage 598-4438 LivingAsChrist’sDisciplesWithinOur HeartsandBeyondOurDoors MountCalvary BaptistChurch 2020RedLaneRoad Powhatan,VA23139 Pastor,LarryB.Collins SundaySchool9:45a.m. SundayWorship11:00a.m. WednesdayBibleStudy 7:30p.m. Office804-598-2398 Church Directory. Call 804-746-1235 ext.2 fordetails. Advertisein SundaySchool10AM WorshipService11AM PastorJohnEngle 603-933-0141 3540OldBuckinghamRd. www.pmchurch.net 1801 Huguenot Trail SundayWorship 10am BryanM.Holt, https://www.facebook.com/2emmaus/www.EmmausChristianChurch.org804-378-3607Pastor sector where not only can success in this area attract revenue for the locality but also serves as a marketing tool for similar and compatible businesses as well as other companies looking for incredible quality of life for their workforce to experience nearby,” Salerno said. “The success of these companies is particularly unique in that they all bring a different style to the tourism industry of Powhatan and have been established for a short period of time but are making major waves in their markets to establish themselves among the best.”

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